Events

CTKF’s First Annual “Cook For Kids” Fundraiser Recap

Kristen Cognetta Events
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On the evening of Thursday, December 1st, Clothes To Kids of Fairfield County (CTKF) held its first fundraising event, “Cook for Kids”. The much-anticipated event was sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors and took place at Aitoro Appliance & Electronics of Norwalk, CT. With over 170 tickets sold, by 6pm, the store was filled with community members in attendance to support CTKF. Aitoro served as the perfect space for the local chefs cooking their delicious creations. Attendees were eager to get a taste of each talented chef’s freshly prepared food.

The Blind Rhino, Romanacci, HAPA Food Truck, Via Sforza, The Mumbai Times, Osteria Romana, Chef Luis, Susan Kane Catering, Grana Pastificio, Washington Prime, Mac It, A Dash of Salt, DiMare Pastry Shop, Garelick & Herbs, Saugatuck Sweets, and Donut Crazy were among the generous and well-regarded chefs, restaurants, and bakers cooking for kids. With various chefs dispersed throughout the store, groups of attendees were drawn in around every appetizing station. The selection of foods were complimented by great quality wines provided by Giovana’s Wine & Spirits. The evening’s atmosphere was set by singer/guitarist Vinnie Ferrone as guests mingled and learned more about CTKF.

CTKF’s Executive Director Elaine Rubinson spoke about the organization’s mission, activities and progress since the grand opening on October 13th, 2016, and recognized the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford – Yerwood Clubhouse Executive Director Mike Cotela for his continued and valued support. Carolina Ahumada, a Social Service Professional at Family Centers of Greenwich, CT, shared inspiring feedback from her clients that have shopped in the store. Carolina described the joy and excitement of her clients receiving quality, clean clothing through shopping at CTKF.

Star 99.9’s radio host Anna Zapp worked her magic, keeping the crowd energized and excited as she promoted the silent auction items, the “Drop Your Cash” collection for new underwear and socks, and the raffle. Guests waited patiently for the results of the highly sought-after auction items, as they sparked lots of buzz throughout the evening. Donors included:

Southwest Airlines, Chef Luis, Morina Pilates and Yoga, Ralph Lauren, Merrill Lynch, The New York Rangers, The New York Giants, Saybrook Point Inn and Spa, Bartaco, Rizzutto’s, She lala, Evander Preston, Art of Control, Earth Animal, CST50, Julien Farel, Oak Hills Golf Club, Dream Spa, The Whelk, Quattro Pazzi, Kramer Little Expressions, JaaFar Tazi Salon, Chop Shop Cooking, Quattro Pazzi, Southern Dermatology, Indulge By Mersene, Savin Center, Okemo Mountain Resort, Big Apple Health Center,Bull’s Head Pet Hospital, Family Tree Yoga, Giovana’s Wine & Spirits, Frame and Save, Westport Eyecare Associates, Wendy and Larry Albert, Suited Co., Back 40 Mercantile, The Whelk, Elyse Brown, Total Wine & More, Colonial Framing, Muscular Therapy, Steve Berni, Estate Jewelry, Millie Rae’s and Dirt Floral.

CTKF’s first annual “Cook for Kids” proved to be a success, raising over $19,000. CTKF is extremely grateful for the wonderful support received for this event from the Fairfield County community, restaurants and chefs, local companies and businesses, and organizations. The organization would like to extend its thanks to Tony Aitoro for making this event possible. CTKF would also like to recognize its Event Committee members, Alexandra Briggs Kling, Livia Feig, Craig Wood, Carrie Franzese, Steve Berni, and Valerie Fischel, as well as the volunteers for their incredible efforts and dedication in organizing this event! Funds raised from “Cook for Kids” will go directly to the CTKF store’s operational and client clothing needs.

Join us as we make a difference in Fairfield County communities. For more about ways to get involved with CTKF, click here.

Open House & Ribbon Cutting Mark the Official Grand Opening of the CTKF Store

Kristen Cognetta Events, Media Coverage
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The Clothes To Kids of Fairfield County (CTKF) store opened its doors to the public for a three-day open house event, September 28-30. Guest of honor Stamford Mayor David Martin led the ribbon cutting ceremony as Executive Director Elaine Rubinson proudly looked on. The CTKF team worked tirelessly over the prior four months to reach this highly anticipated moment, and were thrilled to welcome professionals from public schools, social service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local companies to the open house.

The work that has gone into building, organizing, and maintaining the CTKF store is a collaborative effort from the organization’s enthusiastic founders, board members, and volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to its mission: to provide new or gently used clothing to children in critical need in grades K-12 in Fairfield County communities, all free of charge.

This summer the team was hard at work securing donations, spreading awareness throughout the community, establishing operational and fundraising plans, and renovating the store in order to create a larger, more functional space. Upon stepping foot inside the newly finished and fully stocked CTKF Store, located in Stamford’s Yerwood Center-Boys & Girls Club, shoppers are greeted with a warm, bright, and welcoming atmosphere. Tidy racks and cubbies are filled with clean, quality clothing. Fun, colorful signage and an easy-to-navigate layout for both youth and young adult clothing, are clear indicators that this space has been well-prepared for shoppers. The “back room” serves as a work space where incoming donations from retail stores, individual donors, and community drives can be washed, sorted, hung up on hangers, placed in bins, or folded.

Elaine Rubinson brings her social service background and expertise to CTKF. She possesses an awareness and understanding that there are circumstances in which it may be financially challenging for parents/guardians to provide new clothing for their children, and is committed to giving families access to well-fitting clothing, free of charge. Over 33% of school age children living in Fairfield County are eligible to shop in the store, which indicates that many families in these communities can benefit from CTKF’s services.

Families and children seeking clothing will find friendly, upbeat and knowledgeable volunteers ready to assist them with their overall shopping experience. CTKF volunteers include high school teens, college students, church and bible study groups, individual community members, local professionals, and those who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth.

We are always looking for new volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering your time to collect or sort items, host a drive, provide operational support, be a personal shopper, or donate gently used/new clothing, please contact Elaine Rubinson at (203) 533-9846 or info@clothestokidsfairfieldcounty.org.

Please consider joining us as we continue in our efforts to clothe a child, change a life!

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Thank you for making Giving Day 2016 a resounding success!

LynnB Events
Thank you for donating on Fairfield County's Giving Day!

We raised over $2,300 on Fairfield County’s Giving Day 2016, our first time participating in this amazing annual event! March 10, 2016 was a big day for Clothes To Kids of Fairfield County, and the board and volunteers want to thank everyone for helping to fuel our mission.

The gifts we received will be put to use immediately, getting our new store space ready to open, purchasing new socks and underwear for kids grades K-12, and purchasing software to track donors and clients.

With your support, so much is possible.