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.
