The Darien Antiques Show, known throughout New England as a high-quality show featuring 35 of the most prestigious antiques dealers, kicks off with a Preview Party on Friday night, March 5. This fun and glamorous social event offers delicious hors d'oeuvres and wine, an exclusive first peek at the superb collections of antiques and the chance to support very worthy causes. The silent auction includes tickets to hard-to-see events, must have items, and tantalizing vacation opportunities, along with special talents and services donated by church members and friends.

The primary beneficiary of the Preview Party will be A Better Chance (ABC) – Darien, which provides four-year academic and boarding scholarships and enrichment activities to highly motivated and academically promising female minority students from inner city areas. This year, a portion of the funds will also be designated to help improve the facilities of the First Congregational Nursery School, which celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2010.   The remaining money raised by the Antiques Show will be contributed to the charitable and social service organizations throughout Fairfield County. This support for Fairfield Country shelters, food banks and social service organizations is more important than ever in these difficult economic times.  

 Your ticket to the preview party includes admission to the Antiques Show on Saturday and Sunday. (Show only tickets are $10 at the door/ $8 seniors).

Preview Party Co-Chairs are Molly O'Brien and Holly Friend.  Antiques Show Co-Chairs are Annette Madden-Kline and Jeanne Koren.  Silent Auction Co-Chairs are Tracey Berry, Ellen Kirby, Shelby Smith, Tere Stevens, Jessica Brown and Clair Rosztoczy.

Peoples United Bank of Darien has signed on as the Platinum Sponsor, and Moffly Media, publisher of Darien New Canaan Magazine, is the Magazine Sponsor. 

Christine Downing of C. Downing Auctions in Norwalk, who was featured on the HGTV hit show "Cash in the Attic," will perform complimentary "road show" style appraisals on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., and will conduct a live auction during the Preview Party on Friday night. Downing is known in Norwalk for her full service auction company specializing in quality antiques and collectibles with a personal touch. SoNo Baking Company & Café, the creation of John Barricelli, who has worked in two of the finest kitchens in the area -- The Elms Restaurant & Tavern in Ridgefield, and at Martha Stewart Living Productions in Westport -- will contribute a bountiful dessert buffet/patisserie table at the Preview Party.  Barricelli is the host of "Everyday Baking from Everyday Food" on PBS and is a frequent contributor to "The Martha Stewart Show," and his forthcoming "SoNo Baking Company Cookbook" is scheduled to be published in early March.

Many local retailers are contributing items to the silent auction, which will be held Friday night at the preview party.  For example, Nicholas Roberts Fine Wines is donating a gift certificate for dinner for two at their restaurant in Norwalk, Nicholas Roberts Fine Food, and is working with Board Members of A Better Chance – Darien to put together a basket of fine wines that they will donate for the auction.  Numerous other stores and service providers have made generous donations.  To name just a few: Kelly DeMarco of the Paint Studio will donate a week of summer camp; Konrad Koenig of the Martial Arts Family Center will donate a month of Karate Lessons and a uniform; Hands on Pottery will provide studio time and material; Robin Eekhof of Total Vitality is giving personal training and nutrition services;  1020 Post Restaurant and Pizza, Pasta and Brew are giving restaurant gift certificates; the Darien Nature Center is giving a Critter Birthday Party, Leary's Liquors is contributing a case of wine, and Crystal Nails and Lanphier Day Spa will provide gift certificates for beauty services.  Gardiners Center is donating gardening services, and Neilsen's Florists is contributing floral arrangements for the weekend's events. And individual members of the church and community are contributing sports and cultural tickets and use of vacation homes or other recreational opportunities.