Family Centers Volunteers Recognized at Darien Volunteer Day

EMPOWERING CHILDREN, ADULTS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES TO REALIZE THEIR POTENTIAL
THE NEWSLETTER OF FAMILY CENTERS | SUMMER 2012
Family Centers Volunteers
Recognized at Darien Volunteer Day
FAMILY CENTERS AWARDED
STATE GRANT TO OPEN NEW
PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM
As part of Gov. Dannel Malloy’s
education reform efforts, Family Centers
has received a $108,000 grant to make
13 additional School Readiness preschool slots available for the 2012-2013
school year.
In order to accommodate the new
students, Family Centers plans to open
a new classroom at its First Steps
Preschool located at Armstrong Court
in late August. The class will be operated by Family Centers in collaboration
with the Greenwich Board of
Education and the Greenwich School
Readiness Council. The First Steps site
currently serves 51 children through its
existing School Readiness class (called
the Dancing Dolphins) and a Head
Start program.
The grant covers roughly two thirds of
the costs associated with the new
classroom’s operation and Family
Centers is actively seeking the additional funding to ensure that the new
class is ready for the start of the
Photo left: Family Centers’ Manager of Volunteer Services Jennifer Flatow and Terri Walker.
Photo right: Family Centers’ President Bob Arnold and Bob Wells
wo of Family Centers’ most committed volunteers were honored
for continually improving the lives of
area families during The Community
Fund of Darien’s annual Darien
Volunteer Day Awards ceremony.
T
Bob Wells was presented the Obie
Harrington-Howes Community Spirit
Award. As a member of the Family
Centers’ Board of Directors since 2000,
Bob has left a mark on nearly every
aspect of the organization. As a former
advertising executive, Bob helped to
solidify Family Centers’ communications plan and was a driving force
behind the increased visibility the
agency has enjoyed in recent years.
upcoming school year. When Family
Centers opened a similar classroom in
2007, the Greenwich United Way provided the funding to furnish the space.
He has also led numerous internal
speaker trainings, and taught Family
Centers’ staff how to “tell their stories”
in the community. And as a member of
The Blue Flames – a touring steel drum
band – Wells has raised thousands of
dollars to help families in need.
For the past nine years, Terri Walker
has shown an unparalleled dedication
to Family Centers and its clients as
both a Board Member and volunteer.
She has co-chaired several successful
fundraisers for Family Centers, including the 2011 Silk Road Benefit.
This May, Terri was a driving force
behind the success of the 2012 Center
for HOPE Luncheon with Marie
Tillman (see page 2). She has been
involved with the agency’s Hope
Lights Lives Luminary campaign,
which raises upwards of $100,000
annually for the Center for HOPE and
The Den for Grieving Kids.
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W W W. F A M I LY C E N T E R S . O R G
Marie Tillman, Widow of Late Army Ranger
and NFL Star, Speaks at CFH Luncheon
hen Pat Tillman gave up a promising NFL career to
become an Army Ranger following the Sept. 11
attacks, his wife, Marie, stood by his side. Despite the
fact that they were newly married and looked forward to
building a life together, Marie understood this was something Pat felt he needed to do.
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But while Pat was serving his second tour of
Afghanistan, Marie received the news that would change
her life forever. Pat was killed by friendly fire in 2004,
which created national headlines and left Marie to grieve
the loss of her husband in the public eye.
Marie spoke about how she coped with the many emotions surrounding Pat’s death at the 2012 Center for
HOPE Luncheon on May 8 at the Country Club of Darien.
She said one of Pat’s final letters – in which he urged
her to go on with life in the event he didn’t make it
back – provided her with the biggest sense of comfort
during the most difficult times.
“For me, it was coming to terms with the fact that this
person who I’ve loved and has been in my life for a
really long time is gone,” she told the audience of nearly than 250. “And the challenge is trying to find a way
to pick up the pieces and put your life back together
when it’s not turning out the way you thought it would.”
Clockwise from right: Marie Tillman and Family
Centers’ Senior Advisor Karen Casey; Family
Centers’ Vice Chairman Laurie Grauer and Chairman
Laurie Host; Ray of HOPE winner George Reilly, his
wife Lynn (right) and Marie Tillman; Family Centers’
President Bob Arnold and Board Member Helen
Dixon; Nancy Brown and Marie Tillman; Brian
Cossari and Mike Hoffman of Hoffman Landscapes;
Event Co-chairs KK Lowther, Terri Walker and
Heather Pech with Marie Tillman.
The Luncheon, co-chaired by Terri Walker, KK Lowther
and Healther Pech, raised more than $130,000 for the
Center for HOPE and The Den for Grieving Kids – Family
Centers’ critical illness and bereavement support programs.
On June 26, Marie released her memoir The Letter: My
Journey Through Love, Loss and Life. Attendees can pick
up a complimentary copy of the book at Barrett Bookstore
in Darien.
George Reilly, partner at Siegel, Reilly and Conlon, LLC,
was also honored with the Ray of HOPE Award. George
currently sits on Family Centers’ Senior Advisory Board
and was instrumental in the organization’s merger with
the Center for HOPE in 2005.
W W W. F A M I LY C E N T E R S . O R G
Family Centers
Honors Volunteers
In celebration of National Volunteer
Week, Family Centers hosted a
Volunteer Recognition Breakfast on
April 19. Greenwich Selectman Dave
Theis was on hand to present a special
proclamation to honor Family Centers’
volunteers for their hard work over
the past year.
With more than 1,500 volunteers
lending their time and effort to its
mission of empowering individuals,
families and communities to reach
their true potential, Family Centers
owes much of its success to these
dedicated individuals and families.
For more information on our
volunteer opportunities, visit
www.familycenters.org or contact
Jennifer Flatow at jflatow@
familycenters.org or 203-869-4848.
Students from Greenwich Academy prepare to paint the tepees at the Arch Street Preschool.
Greenwich Academy Students Put
Finishing Touch on Playground
A group of Greenwich Academy students put the finishing touches on the newly
renovated playground at the Arch Street Preschool.
Led by Phoebe Morrison, the students
outfitted the three tepees located in the
playground’s Native American Village with
traditional motifs. The process took an
entire weekend, as the students stenciled
and painted the tepees.
Thanks to grants from the Town of
Greenwich, First Presbyterian Church
in Greenwich and the Leon Lowenstein
Foundation, the playground underwent
a major facelift late last year. The stateof-the-art playground features an open
layout and includes a large bird’s nest,
Top: Kathleen Brotherton and Carol Metha
Middle: Greenwich Selectman Dave Theis and
Jennifer Flatow, Manager of Volunteer Services
Bottom: Melissa Schreff, Manager of
Administrative Services, and volunteer
Bruce Williams
permanent musical instruments, a
small amphitheater and rock and rope
climbing stations.
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W W W. F A M I LY C E N T E R S . O R G
With the generous support of our event sponsors and contributors,
Family Centers raised $540,000!
Dancin’ in Chicago
Philadelphia P.A.
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Anne and Jack Ball
Marge and Bill Berkley
Laurie and Peter Grauer
Arlene and Reuben Mark
Valerie and Mike McKeever
Joan Melber Warburg
Lois and Greg Willis
Andrea and Bob Arnold
The Ashforth Company
Allison and Avery Bourke
Harry and Kathy Clark
Anne and Bill Farrell
Rosemary and Carlos Ferrer
Sonia and Paul Jones
Jill and Kip Koons
Sonnet and Ian McKinnon
Muffy and Don Miller
Barbara Netter
Kathleen and John Stack
Lisa and Scott Stuart
Louise and Henrik Vanderlip
Jeannie and Rick Witmer
Down in New Orleans
Leigh and Ben Carpenter
Mary and Garrett Moran
Nonie and John Sullivan
In New York City
Brooke and Tom Ashforth
Mary and Marvin Davidson
Patti and Eric Fast
Hillenbrand Family Foundation
Wendy and Richard Hokin
Alice and Chris Holbrook
Christina and John Horner
Gillian and Bob Steel
Debby and Peter Weinberg
Can’t Forget the
Motor City
Nestle Waters North America
Overbrook Foundation
Wendy and Paul Raether
Art and Lindsay Reimers
Jeannie and Jeff Rose
Diane and John Straus
Amy and John Weinberg
Way Down in L.A.
Ellen and Alan Breed
Ann and Sam Croll
Barbara and Ray Dalio
Jan and Bob Dilenschneider
Cory and Bob Donnalley
Anne and William Harrison
Laurie and George Host
Mary and Thomas McGowan
Mitchell’s of Westport
Nell and John Otto
Barbara and John Robinson
Cindy and John Sites
Bonnie and Tom Strauss
Sue Ann Weinberg
Susan and Cliff Yonce
Baltimore and
D.C. Now
Amory Amstrong
BK and John Bates
Bridget and Stafford Bucknall
Ginger and Jim Cabrera
Mary and Michael Carpenter
Regina and Tom Cholnoky
Suzanne and Rich Clary
Gay and John Coe
Nancy and Jock Coffin
Kay and Gary Cohen
Karen Coxe
Karin Crooks
Ellie and Edgar Cullman
Diana and Lyman Delano
Helen and Bruce Dixon
Carole and Art Elias
Meredith and Brian Feurtado
Icy and Scott Frantz
Elissa and Robert Friedman
Gabelli Fund
Anne and Carl Goodnow
Katy and Chris Gray
Joli Gross
Jessica and Drew Guff
Andre and Hilary Haroche
Wendy and Edward Henderson
Patti and Benji Hill
Sophie and William Hood
Anne and Seeley Hubbard
Bess and George Hubbard
Nancy and Thomas Ireland
Heather and Wayne Jervis
Kimberly and Chris Johnson
Ellen and Bob Kaufmann
Joni and Kevin Kimberlin
Page and John Knox
Elizabeth and Doug Lake
Kristina and Frank Loverro
KK and George Lowther
Nicole and William Lynch
Tia and Michael Mahaffy
MaryAnne and John McGowan
Anne and Philip Miller
Sally and Tom Neff
Beverly and Peter Orthwein
Julie and Doug Ostrover
Kim and Peter Parent
Sharon and Barney Phillips
Valantina and Nicholas Prouty
Deborah and Perry Robinson
Leslee and David Rogath
Fabiola and Andrew Rolfe
Suzanne and Tim Sennatt
Margaret and Christopher Sinclair
Victoria and Spyros Skouras
Mason and Susan Sleeper
Lynda and Curt Solsvig
Mimi and Barry Sternlicht
Davidde and Ronald Strackbein
Samuel Walker
Lizora and Sam Yonce
Jessica and Basil Zirinis
Walter Ritz
Linda and Rony Schlapfer
Amy Sethi
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Sue and Jeff Thompson
Linda and Jim Tullis
Nicole Weisenburger
Eric West
Lynne Wheat
Julie and Trevor Woods
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W.R. Berkley Corporation
Marilyn and Stuart Adelberg
Samuel Asbeck
Alexandra Belluzzi and
Michael Fichter
Allan and Nancy Bernard
Sabrina Briefel
Susan Bevan and Anthony Daddino
Marybeth Brown
Linda Clarkson
Matt Dripps
Carol and Jim Flanagan
Liliane and Christian Haub
Beverly and Rodney Hawes
Piera Iori
Caroline and Michael Keigher
Beth and Jonathan Kern
Shelly and Tony Malkin
Katharine and
Kenneth Mountcastle
Ruth and Marc Newberg
Linda and William Ogden
Douglas Peck
Jane and Michael Perelman
Anne and Jim Pugliese
Louise and Gerry Puschel
Rachel Reese
Nancy and George Rieger
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Exclusive Magazine
Sponsor
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Special Thanks to
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We apologize for any errors
or omissions
W W W. F A M I LY C E N T E R S . O R G
“Dancin’ in the Street”
Benji Hill, Mary Davidson
Peter Weinberg, Art Reimers, Jean Witmer, Lindsay Reimers
Robert Shapiro, Carl Goodnow, Wynne Shapiro, Anne Goodnow
Chris & Katy Gray and Steve Walko
Arlene & Reuben Mark, Kevin & Joni Kimberlin
Bob Steel, Suzanne & Tim Sennatt
Allison Bourke, Patti Fast
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W W W. F A M I LY C E N T E R S . O R G
“Dancin’ in the Street” R
BK Bates, John Knox, John Bates
Rocco & Netta D’Angelo, Vicky & Mark Smith, Diane & John Straus
Marge & Bill Berkley
Valerie & Mike McKeever, Laurie Ho
Fabiola Rolfe
Chris & Alice Holbrook
Amy & Paul Sethi
Michael & Alex Fichter, Joli Gross, Pete Maloney
Carlos & Rosemary Ferrer
KK & George Lowther, Charlotte Minor, Tom & Brooke Ashforth
Heather Jervis, Spyros Skouras,
Valantina Prouty
TO WS W W . F A M I L Y C E N T E R S . O R G 7
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Rocks the Neighborhhood
Wayne Jervis, Perry Robinson
ost
George Host, Jean and Stig Host
Matthew Dripps, Sabrina Briefel, Britton Bollinger
Laurie, Peter and Tori Grauer
Jessica Guff, Leigh Carpenter, Gay Coe, Taylor Gray
Amanda Venieri, Sam Asbeck,
Nicole Weisenberger
Julie Graham, Muffy Fox
Nancy Ireland, Gillian Steel
Henrik and Louise Vanderlip
Cliff & Susan Yonce
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W W W. F A M I LY C E N T E R S . O R G
FA C E S O F FA M I LY C E N T E R S
t’s been said that our greatest barrier to success is the
fear of failure. Nate Barnett
will tell you that a dose of
confidence has made a world
of difference in his life. Nate
has grown up with learning
disabilities, which sometime
present challenges when he
tries to communicate with others. Over the years of frustrating personal interactions,
Nate’s self-esteem was at an
all-time low.
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Having recently graduated from high school, Nate was
worried about his job prospects. Knowing that his learning disabilities sometimes made school difficult, Nate
thought that he didn’t have the skill set to succeed in the
working world.
After some failed attempts to land a job, a friend suggested that Nate contact Family Centers, which provides
onsite vocational support and counseling at his housing
Nate
Barnett
complex in Stamford. Shortly after his first meeting with
Family Centers, Nate mustered the courage to enroll in
some job-readiness classes. With the support of Family
Centers, he also wrote his first resume and practiced his
interviewing techniques.
The support Nate received also helped him understand
how to properly search for jobs using Internet tools and
social media. More importantly, Nate’s self-confidence
got the boost it desperately needed.
Today, Nate is riding the wave of his revitalized confidence. Currently employed with WorkPlace, Inc., Nate
maintains and beautifies Stamford’s parks. He is confident, happy, and eager to continue improving his life.
While a year ago Nate might have avoided eye contact
with most people he encountered, today he greets others
with a smile and spark in his eye.
“After all the trials I’ve had to go through, I finally found
in Family Centers the help I needed to get a job,” Nate
said. “Finding a job has been a huge boost, and it gives
me confidence to keep trying new things.”
Family Centers’ Board Member and Employee Named “Family Champions”
Family Centers’ board member Carl
tirelessly to ensure that children and fam-
Goodnow and staff member Katey Smith
ilies living in lower Fairfield County have
were recognized as “Family Champions”
access to the services they need to realize
by the Connecticut Council of Family
their potential. In addition to co-chairing
Service Agencies (CCFSA) for their out-
the agency’s Fostering Independence and
standing commitment to improving the
Facilities committees, he sits on Family
lives of families.
Centers’ Governance Committee and cochairs the Facilities Committee. In 2011,
At a ceremony held at the Trumbull
Carl also oversaw the design, construction
Marriot on May 9, the CCFSA honored
and fundraising efforts associated with
Carl, Katey and 30 other human services
the creation of the Arch Street Preschool’s
professionals and volunteers whose
new state-of-the-art playground.
unselfish actions have strengthened
Family Centers’ President Bob Arnold (center)
congratulates 2012 Family Champions Katey
Smith (left) and Carl Goodnow (right).
families in Connecticut.
Katey has worked at Family Centers for
six years. As the agency’s Reconnecting
because of abuse or neglect. Katey also
Since joining the Family Centers Board
Families Coordinator, she goes above and
coordinates Family Centers’ Trauma
of Directors in 2002, Carl has worked
beyond to reunite families torn apart
Response Team.
W W W. F A M I LY C E N T E R S . O R G
Head Start Preschool Sends
Students Off to Kindergarten
26.2 FOR FAMILY CENTERS
Some people run marathons for fitness reasons. Others do it to check
an item off their “bucket list.” But
Family Centers’ Communications
Director Bill Brucker recently ran
the New Jersey Marathon to raise
funds for children and families in
need living in lower Fairfield
County.
Leading up to his first full marathon,
Bill collected more than $2,250 in
donations for Family Centers. The
money will be used to help fund
Head Start Site Manager Elena Perisa leads the
students in a sing-along
the agency’s human service, health
and counseling
n June 21, Greenwich Head Start
Preschools and Dancing Dolphins
School Readiness Classroom held a
graduation ceremony to celebrate the
28 students moving onto kindergarten
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Head Start teachers presented each
graduate with a “diploma”, and all 51
students enrolled in the school performed a collection of their favorite
songs. Afterward, the students and
their families gathered for a congratulatory lunch.
As part of its Global Volunteer Month,
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Wealth
Management in Greenwich generously
agreed to underwrite the event.
programs that
assist more than
In addition to volunteering at the
event, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
employees provided lunch for all
graduates and their families. They also
provided an ice cream truck, flowers,
decorations and gifts for the teachers.
18,000 people
each year.
Bill completed
the marathon’s
26.2 mile course
in 3:41:56 –
The Head Start Preschools and
Dancing Dolphins School Readiness
Class offer education programs for
three, four and five-year-old children of
families residing in Greenwich public
and subsidized housing. The programs
also emphasize parent involvement to
encourage and support children’s
educational and social development.
placing 496
out of a
field of
2,317 runners. The New
Jersey Marathon
is one of the
tri-state area’s
premier running
events. The scenic course starts
at the historic
Monmouth Park
Racetrack and takes
runners through the
oceanfront towns
of Oceanport, Long
Branch, Deal, Ocean
Grove, Loch Arbour,
Allenhurst and
Asbury Park.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney volunteers
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W W W. F A M I LY C E N T E R S . O R G
IN MEMORY OF
Cory Donnalley
We fondly remember Cory Donnalley, a dedicated Board
member who recently passed away following a long battle
Family Centers’ President Bob Arnold
Honored by Greenwich Chamber
Named “Community Leader” at Chamber’s Annual
Awards Luncheon
with cancer. For 18 years, Cory poured
her heart into her volunteer work
with Family Centers. As a result, she
enriched the organization and positively impacted the lives of thousands
of children and families.
Cory served on Family Centers’ Board
of Directors since 1994. During that
time, she was an active member of
several planning groups including
the Social Policy & Advocacy Committee. Cory had a particular interest in the welfare of local children, and chaired
Family Centers’ Bright Beginnings Committee to strengthen
the agency’s programs that serve children. She also chaired
successful benefit events, and was the 2003 recipient of the
Family Centers’ Helen Gratz Rockefeller Outstanding
Volunteerism Award.
At the request of Cory’s family, those wishing to memorialize Cory’s life may do so through a gift to Family Centers.
Family Centers’ President Bob Arnold (right) receives the Community Leader
Award from Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Jeff Weber
(center) and Greenwich Rotary Club President President Jim Vivier (left).
t the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce’s Annual
Awards Luncheon on April 24, Family Centers’
President Bob Arnold was recognized for his organization’s work with children and families in need.
A
Donations may be made online at www.familycenters.org
or mailed to:
Family Centers, 40 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT 06830
For information on setting up a remainder trust for you or
a loved one to benefit Family Centers, contact Jim Vivier at
During the ceremony, which was held at the Millbrook
Club in Greenwich, Bob was presented with the
Community Leader Award. The award honors an individual or an organization in Greenwich that has worked to
make a difference in the betterment of the community
through their efforts.
[email protected] or 203-869-4848.
This year marks Bob’s 30th anniversary as Family
Centers’ president.
www.familycenters.org’s New Look
Regular visitors to Family Centers’ website may have noticed the site has
undergone a bit of a facelift. In addition to its fresh look, the new site
operates on a more user-friendly navigation configuration and includes
several exciting new features.
We hope you enjoy the improvements to www.familycenters.org
and use it as a useful tool to find important information about our
programs and services.
W W W. F A M I LY C E N T E R S . O R G
~ IN HONOR OF ~
~ I N M E M O RY O F ~
Robert M. Arnold
Joan & Bob Fields
Jackie & John Keeshan
Elizabeth Radley Anderson
Edith M. Radley
Harry L. Baugher
Laurie B. Stuek
Marnie Dawson Carr
Micki Linen
Jennifer Flatow
Anonymous – Through Silicon Valley Community
Foundation
Laurie Grauer
Nell Wall Otto & John F. Otto, Jr.
Laurie Host
Kathleen Emmett
Nell Wall Otto & John F. Otto, Jr.
Arlene Mark
Mary & Michael Carpenter
Irene & Bill Peterson
Ellen Leone
George Reilly
Karen Casey
QBE ANNOUNCES GRANT
TO FAIRFIELD COUNTY
ORGANIZATION
The QBE Foundation, the philan-
thropic arm of QBE Insurance
Group Limited, has awarded Family
Cory Donnalley
Stuart Adelberg &
Jeff Lawson, Neil Pepe
The Staff of the
& Everyone at Atlantic
Greenwich United Way
Theater Company
Andrea & Bob Arnold
Carol & John Lee
and Family
Elizabeth & Jonathan
Bates
Hilda Lee
Bryce Breen
Ilyse Levy
Selma & John Burley
Debra A. Lewis
Linda Carper
Ann Johnson-Lundberg
& Jeff Lundberg
Jane & Virgil Cumming
Lori Marden
Helen & Bruce Dixon
Joan
&
George Mathes
Livvy & Doug Floren
Phyllis
&
Jim McDonald
Mary Cirillo Goldberg &
Ruth & Marc Newberg
Jay Goldberg
Joan & Sam Person
Linda & Harris Goldman
Laurence M. Person
Janice L. Grinnell
Susan Polmar
David H. Griswold
Pearl & Don Richman
Todd Haimes
Elizabeth & John
Ann E. Hamm
Roberts
Elaine & Denny Hamm
Leslee
&
David Rogath
Ellen & Harvey
Jan & Peter Shames
Heinbach
Roy Thung
Susan & Robert Keiser
Erica & Gary Tubridy
Stacey & Steve Lapin
Roz & Jack Zacks
Centers a $10,000 grant to support
the agency’s self sufficiency services.
Family Centers was chosen for this
grant because its programs like
Reaching Independence Through
Employment (RITE), the Family Self
Sufficiency Program and Housing
EJames Victor Lehren
Lisa & Henri Lehren
Adam Lewis
Barbara Coleman
Cora Osherow
Karen & Frank Knapp
Katharine Torrey Cameron
Wendy Forkner
Resource Program further the QBE
Foundation’s mission of supporting
John Van Alen Murray
Susan K. Gray
Family Centers
recently welcomed
John Straus to the
Board of Directors
John brings a wealth of financial
expertise to the Board. For many
years, he held senior leadership
positions at some of the world’s
most renowned banking institutions
including Salomon Brothers, Morgan
Stanley, JP Morgan and UBS. He is
currently a founding partner with
FallLine Strategic Advisors, a wealth
management consulting firm founded
in 2010.
John also has an extensive philanthropic background. He has served as
Board President of the Community
Fund of Darien, and chaired the
Holderness School’s Investment
Committee.
vocational opportunities and helping people live more independently,
successfully and productively.
Tyler Yates
Emily D’Andrea
John lives in New Canaan with his
wife, Diane.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR ADVISORS
Officers • Laurie Host, Chairman • Laurie Grauer, Vice Chairman • Patti Fast, Vice Chairman • Mike McKeever, Treasurer • Kevin Walsh, Assistant Treasurer • Allison Bourke, Secretary
• Alice Holbrook, Assistant Secretary • Bob Arnold, President & CEO
Directors • Tom Ashforth • Anne Ball • Marge Berkley • Abby Bowers • Doug Brown • Molly Byrne • Pam Caffray • Dave Campbell • Leigh Carpenter • Jan Dilenschneider • Helen Dixon
• Carl Goodnow • Julie Graham • Joli Gross • Richard Hokin • John Horton, Jr. • Seeley Hubbard • Lauren Kelley Driscoll • Kip Koons • Arlene Mark • Charlotte Minor • Mary Moran •
Lindsay Reimers • John Straus • Nonie Sullivan • Mimi Tabah • Kathleen Tropin • David Tuttle • The Rev. David Van Dyke • Terri Walker • Joan Warburg • Bunny Weicker • Susan Yonce
Senior Advisors • Bert Ballin • Gini Bantle • Lucy Barrett • Darryl Branch • Ellen Bromley • Molly Byrne • Karen Casey • John Conte • Bob Fields, D.M.D. • Muffie Fitzgerald • Jane Frank
• Joi Gallo • Edwen Goldstein • Judi Gooding • Mickey Graham • Hazel Hobbs • Hyacinthe Hoffman • Mystique Johnston • Debbie Katz • Karen Keegan • Kim Kispert • Howard Kraft
• Johnnie Lee • Muffie Lynch • Tom Melly • Sharon Phillips • Mimi Pivirotto • Michael Pralle • George Reilly • Allison Rubeli • Marion Schmeelk-Kirkman • Margaret Sirot • Cathy
Weisenburger • Bob Wells
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“Dancin’ in the Street” Rocks the Block
n June 2, Family Centers kicked off summer with a street festival like
none other! Great tunes, delicious food and a little “Dancin’ in the
Street” were just a few of the things on tap at the agency’s 2012 benefit.
O
Held at the historic Greenwich Armory, the event brought an authentic “street
fair vibe” to Greenwich that thrilled the more than 350 people in attendance.
With gourmet food trucks, 3-D chalk art, a giant Ferris Wheel, jaw-dropping
break dancers and many other surprises, co-chairs Allison Bourke, Abby
Bowers, Pam Caffray, Patti Fast and Nonie Sullivan planned a once-in-a-lifetime party that was truly a multi-sensory experience. Guests were also treated
to an acoustic performance by Fairfield County band, Finster, in a beer garden
sponsored by Coalhouse Pizza and Harpoon Brewery.
Like most of Family Centers’ benefits, this year’s event was purposely
designed to be casual. In fact, to quote the famous song, “It doesn’t matter
what you wear just as long as you are there!”
“Dancin’ in the Street” was Family Centers’ largest fundraiser of the year.
The event raised $540,000 for the agency’s human service, health and
education programs.
(More photos on page 4)
Laurie Host, Jan Dilenschneider
Joan Melber Warburg
Early Childhood Center
Tel (203) 629-2822
Kids Corner Head Start
Tel (203) 869-2730
First Steps Head Start
Tel (203) 522-0633
Gateway Preschool
Tel (203) 531-8430
Early Childhood Education
& Head Start Preschools
Family Centers –
Stamford Government Center
Tel (203) 977-4939
Center for HOPE
Tel (203) 655-4693
Family Centers Stamford
Tel (203) 324-3167
Family Centers Darien/New Canaan
Tel (203) 655-0547 / Tel (203) 972-0556
Family Centers Greenwich
Tel (203) 629-2822
Family Centers’ Executive Offices,
& Arch Street Preschool
40 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT 06830
Tel (203) 869-4848
www.familycenters.org
Contact us
Follow us on:
40 Arch Street, P.O. Box 7550
Greenwich, CT 06836-7550
F MILY
CENTERS
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Bridgeport, CT
Permit No. 347