Community Update

OPUS FOR PERSON-TO-PERSON ANNOUNCES
2013-2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Opus for Person-to-Person, a charitable organization of close to 200 women from Darien and its surrounding towns, has announced its 2013-2014 Board of Directors. The new Board consists of 23 women who volunteer their time and energy toward fundraising efforts that support the Darien-based, non-profit agency Person-to-Person. Since its launch 17 years ago, Opus has contributed more than $2.3 million to Person-to-Person as its only fundraising and awareness arm. Last year alone, Opus raised nearly $215,000 that went directly to Person-to-Person’s critical programs and services.

“We’re thrilled with our new Board of Directors, and Opus is poised for another remarkable year of fundraising,” said Renee Schwandt, co-president of Opus for Person-to-Person. “Our primary goals are to increase membership, revitalize Opus even more with fresh and exciting events, and increase corporate participation and awareness in greater Norwalk area following the recent merger of Person-to-Person and Christian Community Action.”

“Last year was an overwhelming success, thanks to the support of our members, sponsors and the community,” added Co-President Jen Forlizzi. “We are excited to build on these accomplishments, introducing a fresh, new fall event and further strengthening our relationships with community partners.”

The new 2013-2014 Board of Directors includes:

• Tori Bolger, Jen Forlizzi and Renee Schwandt - Co-Presidents
• Kerry Coppola - Vice President
• Laura O’Grady - Secretary
• Patty Deery and Carol Faherty - Co-Treasurers
• Hope Barton, Anne Fox and Jacqueline Telgheder - Baby Basics
• Caitlin McAuliffe - Board Liaison, Balloon Day
• Kathryn Mann - Board Liaison, BigGER Rig Gig
• Caroline Gallagher - Board Liaison, Spring Benefit
• Katie Briggs, Sarah Caras & Nicole Harder - Corporate
Development
• Elizabeth Hole - External Communications
• Christa FitzPatrick - Internal Communications
• Kate Cusack - Event Logistics
• Kristin Levinson and MJ Miller - Membership Events
• Pam Byrne and Catherine Webb - Membership and Recruitment

Opus supports Person-to-Person through fundraising efforts and public awareness with three popular events: the annual spring benefit, Balloons for Campers Day in May, and the Big Rig Gig in September. These events raise vital funds for Person-to-Person, a volunteer-driven community agency that, through sharing of goods and talents, responds to neighbors who lack basic necessities and/or resources to improve their lives.

Last year, approximately 23,000 people received assistance from Person-to-Person, including food and clothing donations, funds for scholarship and camp programs, layettes for babies, living assistance loans, a holiday toy store, and more. Person-to-Person’s 4,500-square foot headquarters is located at St. Luke’s Church in Darien, where the organization also houses a robust Food Pantry. In 2012 alone, 170,919 meals were given to 2,473 families in need.

On July 17, Opus hosted a Campership Picnic at St. Luke’s Church in Darien, connecting Opus members and their families with the children who receive scholarships to attend summer camp. The Balloons for Campers Day was held in May, and thanks to the generous support of the community, Opus raised more than $60,000 to help send approximately 600 children from low-income families in the Stamford area to summer day camps. The Person-to-Person Campership Program provides safe and positive environments for these children during the summer months while alleviating their parents’ childcare concerns.

Opus’ next big fundraiser is the “BigGER Rig Gig,” which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 21, at the Ox Ridge Hunt Club in Darien. In the past, Opus has held a popular touch-a-truck style event for families at Darien’s Town Hall. Due to scheduled construction at this location, Opus will instead host the first-ever BigGER Rig Gig – a casual evening of fun for grown ups, complete with gourmet food trucks, a live, local band and games. Tickets to the BigGER Rig Gig will go on sale in early August 2013, and they’ll be inclusive of all food, drinks and games.

Money raised at the BigGER Rig Gig will help fund Person-to-Person’s Emergency Food Pantry, which faces increased demand in support of Person-to-Person’s ongoing initiative in the Stamford Public Elementary Schools. More than 2,000 families qualify for the free lunch program during the school year, but because this program is not available during the summer months, many parents are forced to stretch overburdened budgets. Person-to-Person is now providing these qualified elementary school families with groceries from the Emergency Food Pantry.

In addition to the BigGER Rig Gig, initial planning is underway for a family/children’s event slated for January 2014. Plans are also in the works for the annual spring benefit, which is typically the largest fundraiser of the year. Last May, The Kentucky Derby-themed Julep Ball – held at Wee Burn Beach Club in Rowayton – raised almost $125,000, which went directly to support Person-to-Person’s efforts.

New and prospective members can learn more about Opus’ mission and how to become involved at a New Member Event on September 18 at a Darien location. Event details will be announced in August. Businesses interested in becoming corporate sponsors of Opus can contact info@opus4p2p.org.

For more information on Opus, please visit www.opus4p2p.org and become a fan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opus4p2p.