PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHARINE CALDERWOOD
My mother taught me.” “My husband inspired me.” “My kids are involved, too.” “My sister is a changemaker.”
Giving as a family tradition is a theme that emerged this year among the winners of our annual Light a Fire contest.
Every November we honor those in our towns who give selflessly to support causes near and far—those who light a fire in the hearts of their relatives, friends, colleagues and greater community, spurring on charity and compassion, changing and saving lives, and spreading hope. And who doesn’t need a little hope this November?
So turn off the television, silence the phone and settle into a comfy spot, perhaps near a glowing fire, and give these ten upstanding citizens your full attention. After you’ve read their stories, share them with a family member. Then think about what kindling you might contribute to one of the inspiring fires your neighbors have sparked, or even build one of your own.
{ COMMUNITY GOOD NEIGHBOR }
Andi Sklar
ORGANIZATIONS
Connecticut Children’s, Shake It for Shea, Pink Aid, Al’s Angels
INSPIRATION
Andi Sklar first became intrigued by giving back when she saw her big-hearted husband in action. “When I met Scott, he was very involved in an organization for a friend’s son who had an orphan disease [extremely rare and deadly diseases affecting less than 200,000 people],” explains the Westport resident. “I admired them for all they did. Once my kids were old enough and I wasn’t working, I had time.”
She offered to chair the preschool committee at Temple Israel and then began hosting shopping events and giving a percentage to charity. From that start, dipping her toe in the many philanthropic causes around town, she was soon making a big splash on the altruistic scene.
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Andi discovered Al’s Angels, an organization that supports families through health and financial crises, and had the idea to set up lemonade stands around town so her kids could also participate.
“Al got cookies and lemonade donated,” she says. “We had stands all over. Then Covid hit.” Around that time Andi’s aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, which sparked Andi’s involvement with Pink Aid. She took on the role of auction chair during the pandemic and then event chair for two years.
Recently, Andi has focused her attention on Connecticut Children’s, which now has a specialty care center right in Westport. “Robyn Matloff, the director, reached out to see if I would come for a tour,” explains Andi. “At the time I had no idea there was a freestanding children’s hospital in Connecticut. Scott came with me. He had spent a lot of time in children’s hospitals and was blown away. Robyn asked if I would help set up tours. People would arrive wondering why they were there and leave saying, ‘Wow!’”
Andi formed a committee and began spreading the word. “People want to get involved,” she says. “The staff is so wonderful. It’s such a feel-good place. To volunteer for something especially where kids are involved, it’s another level.”
Andi is also raising awareness for Hearts in Harmony Foundation, a local charity set up by Kira and Mark Greenfield. Their daughter, Shea, was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome—a life-threatening heart condition—the day she was born. An annual event, Shake It For Shea, and a golf event, Shank It For Shea, raise funds for research. “I introduced Kira to Dr. Robyn Matloff, and we came up with ideas for how the organizations can help people together,” says Andi.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I hope the community becomes more involved with Hearts in Harmony and CT Children’s,” says Andi. “I hope we see everyone talking about mental health and see that focus grow here at CT Children’s. I would love to see a lot of money raised through Shake It for Shea.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“With a heart of gold and drive to always do more, Andi has been an instrumental force in helping to raise awareness for Connecticut Children’s. Because of her efforts, countless families have received the highest quality care for everything from broken bones to pediatric heart conditions, right here in Westport.”
— Dr. Robyn Matloff, Director of Connecticut Children’s in Westport
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{ GRASSROOTS CHAMPION }
Ahmad Mickens
ORGANIZATIONS
RF Youth Boxing, Revolution Training Academy
INSPIRATION
“I grew up in New Jersey near East Orange. It was pretty rough. I didn’t know a lot of people who looked like me who had professions that inspired me,” explains Stamford’s Ahmad Mickens. “I got into a lot of trouble.” Then he found boxing. “Going to the gym, getting in shape, having people to support me—it gave me an identity,” he says. “I had my first wins. I don’t even mean in the ring—my first wins in life. Being able to jump rope, to lift more weight—those little wins started adding up and building my confidence.”
Ahmad couldn’t wait to give that opportunity to others. “To see people succeed is my inspiration,” he continues. “It’s also what my mother taught me. She was big into giving back. We took clothes and shoes over to Senegal in my teen years.” Ahmad plans those same trips for his sons: “It’s my little impact on the universe, to create a tradition of service.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Ahmad began training a client base of successful individuals in Connecticut and “watched and learned” from them. In 2005, he took the leap and opened his own gym, Revolution Training, in Stamford. “Some youth came in. Historically, boxing gyms have attracted a lot of the disenfranchised, underserved youth,” he explains. “They reminded me of myself.” They didn’t have money, but Ahmad made a deal with them: “Show up 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and I’ll work with you.” They did. Then more kids showed up and RF Youth Boxing was born.
Ahmad formed a 501c3 and launched an annual fundraiser, a “White-Collar Boxing” event. He’s committed to giving kids the same quality experience his high-end clients receive. “The space is always clean, organized and safe,” says Ahmad, who also hosts career days. “Without the program, these youth wouldn’t have access to individuals who can help change their lives,” he explains. “It’s opening up their minds to think ‘Maybe I can be a doctor or a carpenter or own my own company.’”
One protégé, Chordale Booker, is a pro boxer and made it to the Olympic trials. “He is now one of the top boxing coaches in Connecticut,” says Ahmad. “We have many success stories.” With Senator Pat Miller’s support, Ahmad formed the Revolution Training Academy, which offers boxing, personal training and fitness business certifications, as well as apprenticeships.
HOPES & DREAMS
“I hope to continue to produce quality individuals who believe in service and take it to their own communities and households,” says Ahmad. He dreams of expanding his program to New Haven, New Jersey and beyond. “If I can plant the seed, I believe the program will grow and spread. I’ve been doing this for twenty years. The kinks are ironed out. I’d love to share it with other nonprofits and establish programs in areas that need it.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Ahmad was the role model that I needed since I was a teen. He challenged me to think bigger, which has led me to being ranked eighth in the world in boxing.”
—Chordale Booker
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{ GUN VIOLENCE OPPONENT }
Nicole Heath
ORGANIZATIONS
Connecticut Against Gun Violence, Planned Parenthood, REACH Prep, Fresh Air Fund, Amherst College, McKenna College
INSPIRATION
Over ten years ago, fellow volunteer Leslie Bhutani reached out to Nicole Heath to see if she had any interest in gun violence prevention. “At the time, we weren’t yet the very close friends we would become, so she didn’t know my only sibling had taken his own life with a handgun,” says Nicole Heath. CT Against Gun Violence (CAGV) was a small organization when Nicole eagerly became involved. Then the Sandy Hook tragedy occurred.
COURAGE INTO ACTION
“CAGV ended up successfully advocating for the strongest gun safety laws in Connecticut’s history—with bipartisan support,” says Nicole, a Greenwich resident. Connecticut reached nearly the top of states for the strongest gun violence prevention laws, “a position we still hold with nearly unanimous support from our Greenwich delegation,” she adds.
Nicole made many treks to Hartford to testify as a survivor and spearheaded the growth of CAGV’s annual benefit luncheon from 100 guests to 300. “Our luncheon keynote speakers have done such a good job of educating people on community gun violence prevention programs and suicide prevention,” says Nicole. “Suicides account for nearly two-thirds of all handgun deaths in Connecticut—and in the U.S.”
Nicole chaired the Development Committee of the CAGV Board for many years and credits CAGV Marketing Director Jonathan Perloe and her co-chairs—Mary Himes, Cynthia Blumenthal, Leslie Bhutani, Amy Keohane, Amy Pines, Sophie Dowling, Pat Caffray, Melissa Kane and Daisy Sanders—for many successful events (including the premiere of Thousand Pines at Westport Country Playhouse and Gun Country in Greenwich). “Our friends were right there filling tables and raising their paddles with such generosity,” she adds.
From recruiting volunteers and business sponsors to organizing private fundraisers in donors’ homes, Nicole has been tireless and creative in her efforts to further CAGV’s mission in Connecticut and beyond. “Other states use our laws as templates for their own, so in that sense we have a national impact,” she notes.
In the past, Nicole has chaired fundraisers for Planned Parenthood, REACH Prep and Fresh Air Fund. Her family has hosted a young man from the Bronx every summer and a Colombian teen during his boarding school breaks. Nicole currently sits on boards at Amherst College and Claremont McKenna College.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“We are so lucky to have Governor Ned Lamont 100-percent supportive of our cause,” says Nicole. “The federal story is very different, although President Biden has done more than any President on this issue since Clinton. Until GVP [Gun Violence Prevention]can be uncoupled from politics, we have to just keep fighting at the individual state level where a dozen or so states like ours have made real headway.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“During her tenure on the board, from 2013 to 2023, Nicole did more to ensure the financial health of CAGV and the CAGV Education Fund than any other individual board member over our organization’s 30-year history. Her commitment to the cause of ending gun violence in Connecticut demonstrated by her time, effort and passion underlies much of CAGV’s success over the past decade.” —Jonathan Perloe, CAGV Marketing Director
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{ EQUITY ALLY }
Marie Rocha
ORGANIZATIONS
Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Live Girl, HAVYN, VestHer, Defy Ventures, Realist Lab, Fairfield County Community Foundation, CT Next, CT Public
INSPIRATION
“My inspiration to give back is deeply personal, rooted in a profound belief in the transformative power of community and the life-changing impact of mentorship,” says Stamford resident Marie Rocha. “I’ve seen firsthand how the right resources, guidance and support can completely reshape someone’s future.”
This understanding has propelled Marie onto the boards of various nonprofit organizations, locally and nationally. “I’m particularly focused on initiatives that address the wealth gap, create equitable opportunities, support young people’s growth and development, and combat food insecurity,” she says. Marie sees these issues as foundational to creating a more equitable and thriving society.
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Marie has shared her passion and expertise with the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, serving on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee. “We’ve created safe spaces for young people to learn, grow and thrive. Many don’t realize the great wealth gaps that exist in Fairfield County and its effects on youth,” explains Marie.
She has also served on the Live Girl Advisory Committee for two years, “supporting initiatives that empower young women, helping them build confidence and leadership skills.”
Through HAYVN Hatch, a quarterly women-centric pitch event, Marie helps pave the way for women to launch and grow their own businesses. She is a founding member of VestHer, which supports and connects professional women and provides executive coaching.
Marie adds, “My work with Defy Ventures has been particularly significant as it involves helping formerly incarcerated individuals redefine their futures through entrepreneurship and personal development. All of my work led to the creation of Realist Lab, where we offer programs to help entrepreneurs throughout Connecticut create jobs and financial security.”
Last year, Marie joined several committees at the Fairfield County Community Foundation. “I’m proud of our efforts around housing, health, civic engagement and closing other equity gaps,” she comments.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I want to see these organizations grow and make a more significant difference,” says Marie. “For Boys & Girls of Greenwich, I dream that every child in the community gets the support they need to thrive. With Live Girl, I envision a future where young women are confident, capable and ready to lead in whatever direction they choose. For Defy Ventures, I dream of a world where second chances are the norm, empowering people to rebuild their lives and positively impact society. At Vest, I hope more women will be given equitable opportunities. Ultimately, my biggest hope is that our work today leads to lasting change and opens up new opportunities for generations to come.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Marie focuses on aiding the most vulnerable at-risk populations, including children and seniors, promoting women’s empowerment programs and combating food insecurity. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of getting to know Marie, and I am deeply inspired by her approach and the impactful work she has accomplished. Notably, she is the only Black woman in Connecticut to own a venture capital fund, Realist Ventures.”
— Sarah Bamford
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{ WARRIOR FOR WOMEN }
Dede Thompson Bartlett
ORGANIZATIONS
Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Legal Momentum: The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund, New Canaan Abuse Prevention Partnership, New Canaan Museum & Historical Society, New Canaan Library, NYU, Vassar College
INSPIRATION
“I take enormous joy in being able to make a difference,” says Dede Thompson Bartlett. “I feel grateful that I’m able to support causes that mean a lot to me and that aren’t necessarily glamorous but need funding and marketing support. There is exhilaration in making a difference. I’m mystified that more people don’t experience this joy. It’s not a question of money; the most important gift you can give an organization is time.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
A former Fortune 25 executive, Dede is a member of the advisory boards of Domestic Violence Crisis Center and Legal Momentum: The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund. She founded the New Canaan Abuse Prevention Partnership. She and her husband funded the Bartlett Auditorium at the New Canaan Library and the Jim and Dede Bartlett Center for New Canaan History at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society.
With decades of philanthropy to contemplate, she pinpoints three highlights. First, when she was at Phillip Morris, she proposed a project to the First Lady of Costa Rica: a traveling photo exhibition to raise awareness about women who had been abused. “It was enormously successful,” says Dede. The President of Costa Rica credited the exhibition in his State of the Union address for the subsequent 50 percent reduction in homicide and partner abuse. Dede says, “It’s 20 years later, and
I still haven’t gotten over that!”
Second, this year Dede gave the commencement address at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, where her dad was a professor. Dede, who earned her master’s degree from NYU, has funded internships there, encouraging over 100 young women to major in science, technology, engineering and math. She says, “I will never forget looking out at 8,500 people in Barclays Center, thinking, wow, this is a moment.”
Third, Dede worked for three years rescuing a woman, “a boldface name in our town,” from an abusive relationship. “She came to me and described the way she was living and asked, ‘Is this normal?’ I helped her and put a team together to advise her. She and her kids are now thriving,” says Dede.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I want to see more women empowered in all areas of their lives,” says Dede. “I grew up in a time when women didn’t have the abilities they have now. Then they were taken away again last year. I want my daughter and granddaughters’ lives filled with options I didn’t have.” Dede is optimistic about her town.
“I have seen a tremendous change in New Canaan, by women who are change agents,” she raves. “They have imagination and vision.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Dede Bartlett is a leader and visionary for New Canaan, as well as beyond the borders of 06840. She is a fierce advocate for women’s issues and has helped educate the community about domestic violence. While she is exceptionally generous, she is also exceptionally hard-working.”
— Nancy Geary, Executive Director, New Canaan Museum & Historical Society
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{ COMPASSIONATE LEADER }
Adam Vengrow
ORGANIZATIONS
Catch a Lift, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Hole in the Wall Gang
INSPIRATION
“One of my favorite quotes is: ‘You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give,’” says Westporter Adam Vengrow. “I grew up working hard for every penny I had. Now I’m fortunate to be in a position to give money and time to those who are fighting hard to achieve and succeed in life. Everybody needs a hand at some point. There is nothing more joyous than helping somebody climb their way to great achievement.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Adam became involved in Catch a Lift in 2013. The organization was founded by Lynn Coffland in the name of her brother, Corporal Chris Coffland, who was taken by an IED in Afghanistan. “His expression, his whole life, when you are burnt out was: ‘Let’s go catch a lift.’ It meant: Let’s go work out. Our theme is physical fitness to mental fitness. From Day 1, this was everything I believed in and the way I live my life. It has been ten great years, helping veterans use physical fitness to find mental fitness.”
Catch a Lift has spread to more than 2,600 cities and all 50 states. “We’ve helped over 13,000 veterans and caregivers get re-engaged with our four core pillars: nutrition, fitness, emotional wellness and community,” explains Adam. “We have veterans fighting through terrible adversity, from severe amputations and burns to traumatic brain injuries and PTSD. They have done their job to fight for the freedoms we enjoy. Now it’s our job to help them reintegrate back into a life they deserve post serving.”
More than 85 percent of dollars raised go directly to the cause. “We have veteran coaches all over the country, helping other veterans heal with camaraderie and teamwork,” says Adam. “Our kids have been a part of this, and 2024 is our ten-year anniversary of Catch A Lift here in our neighborhood. Our town government, police, fire, gyms, restaurants, residents, schools—all are a big part. One of our veterans spoke to the Staples Varsity Football Team ahead of the season, and they won States!”
Adam and a friend are now spearheading an initiative to help rebuild and fortify Staple’s High School athletic facilities.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“You know that old adage about the child walking along the beach and encountering thousands of washed-up starfish? The kid starts picking them up, one by one, and throwing them back in the ocean. The parent says, ‘What are you doing? You can’t save them all,’ and the kid says, ‘But I can save this one.’”
“The ultimate end goal would be for every veteran and first responder to have all the support they need. They protect and serve our community and keep us safe, so we must do that for them when it is our turn.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Adam’s contributions go far beyond the call of duty. He dedicates countless volunteer hours each week to ensure that the needs of our veterans are met. His efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of many.”
— Phil Delgado, VFW Post 399 Quartermaster
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{ CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN }
Edith Presley
ORGANIZATION
Cradle to Career, Domus
INSPIRATION
“I was raised to contribute to society,” says Edith Presley, President of Cradle to Career. “The mantra in the house was to make things better by the mere fact that you were involved. Individual influence and responsibility matter.” She progressed from substitute teacher to special education teacher, assistant principal, then principal before transitioning into the nonprofit sector. “I have two children in Stamford public schools,” says Edith. “What I want for them, I want for every child in the town: to feel a sense of belonging and have access to the great potential that our community and society offers.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
“I’ve worked every tier of the education system in Stamford—from being a graduate of the public schools, graduating with a degree in psychology, and then starting as a substitute teacher and learning from the ground level how schools work and how important relationships are,” says Edith. “Then I was really intentional about going back to school and finding opportunities to give back while developing myself for a broader impact and greater reach.”
“I love working at Cradle to Career,” says Edith, who came to the organization from Domus, an organization that works with at-risk youth, about three years ago. “It allows me to use my passion for families, students and education in a way that is limitless.” She enjoys being a partner to the school district and supporting the hardworking staff, “who are many times strapped by compliance or limited resources. We are a collective impact organization, with a focus on research-based practices. We partner with other nonprofits that will champion ideas for change,” she explains. “It allows us to be an incubator for innovation.” Cradle to Career operates under the Strive Together methodology—a national accountability network—as well as under the United Way umbrella.
Edith has helped to secure significant federal funding to provide after-school and community-wide support for middle school students, in turn inspiring them and fueling engagement. She has offered her expertise in special education advocacy pro bono to ensure appropriate educational and social accommodations are made to help all children succeed.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I dream for a living,” says Edith, chuckling. “For Cradle to Career, I hope that we can continue to grow and be really strategic about private and public partnerships, in order to highlight the value we bring as a community in Stamford. We are uniquely situated to be a proof point for the nation around how equitable practices bring about growth and change. With our data and our work, we can showcase how you can solve for inequity, how you can really be strategic around problem solving for poverty. I hope for civic engagement to increase for all facets of our community and society. Change happens when we are all involved.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Ms. Presley is a fierce champion and advocate for children in the Stamford community. In every aspect of her professional and personal life, she centers on children and takes a holistic approach to ensuring their social, emotional and academic needs are met, so they can thrive.”
— Bianca Shinn, Domus Kids Leadership Council member
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{ CORPORATE GOOD NEIGHBOR }
Nate Checketts
ORGANIZATIONS
Rhone, beyond type 1
INSPIRATION
“When my brother Ben and I started Rhone, we didn’t just want to create another apparel company. We wanted to build something that truly stood for something bigger, something that had a real point of view,” says CEO Nate Checketts, a Darien resident.
At the time, Nate was looking for ways to support a close friend who was going through a mental health crisis and battling addiction. “I came across some staggering information about the challenges men face with mental health and how loneliness was becoming an epidemic,” says Nate. “That hit me hard, especially as a father of three boys.”
In a market saturated with active brands focused on physical fitness, Rhone went deeper. “No one seemed to be addressing the need for a more holistic approach,” explains Nate. “That realization became the driving force behind Rhone, and our mission to champion mental fitness and the intersection of physical and mental health.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Rhone has backed up its mission with action through multiple avenues—from hosting a virtual race and donating proceeds of a race kit to co-sponsoring a Men’s Wellness Summit. The stores also hold “Mind & Muscle” events, which combine dynamic workouts with mental health discussions.
“These events have served as catalysts for building strong social connections and a supportive network,” says Nate. “In fact, we have a group of guys who have met lifelong friends and have become each other’s groomsmen through Mind & Muscle events. We’ve hosted thousands of men and have now launched a similar event framework with women.”
As a former New Canaan football captain and MVP, Nate was eager to bring his message to players. Last November he put together a “Better Together” football dinner with the Wave Strong Foundation.
“We gathered 200 football players from rival high school football teams, the Darien Blue Wave and New Canaan Rams, ahead of the annual Turkey Bowl match-up, to have a very important conversation about mental health and how we can work together as a community to break down the stigmas that exist,” explains Nate. “If you know Connecticut high school football, you know this is a big deal! It was the first time these teams have done anything like this in the near 100-year rivalry.”
Nate, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 25, is also the Chairman of Beyond Type 1, a nonprofit organization focused on education, advocacy and a path to a cure.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“It is Rhone’s mission to impact over 100 million lives,” says Nate. “We hope to provide individuals with inspiring experiences that leave a lasting imprint to prioritize mental fitness alongside physical fitness. By nurturing a culture of wellness, resilience and community, my hope is that Rhone can continue to inspire and uplift, championing the belief that true wellness encompasses both physical vitality and mental fortitude.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Nate has done so much for the communities of Darien and New Canaan. Mental health is extremely important to Nate, and he understands that it is something not spoken about often among men. He is trying to change that narrative.”
— Katie Holmstead, Nate’s sister
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{ OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST }
Lauren Walsh
ORGANIZATIONS
Greenwich YWCA, GEMS, American Red Cross MNYn Chapter, Greenwich Country Day School, Berkshire School
INSPIRATION
“My mother inspired me. Twenty years ago, I was put on as a trustee of our family foundation which my mother and father formed,” says Riverside resident Lauren Walsh. “They wanted to focus locally, creating an impact with giving money in the Greenwich community and seeing its effect. My mom invited me to the Old Bags Luncheon at the Belle Haven Club 20 years ago, and I have been to every single one of them.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
The Old Bags Luncheon is a YWCA initiative, which is where Lauren says she has made the most significant contributions—and also where she has learned the most.
“It has been quite an education in philanthropy, giving back, making a difference,” she says. She is vice chair of the board and has chaired the Spirit of Greenwich Awards, another YWCA fundraiser. She has also been involved with the organization’s Domestic Abuse Services program.
Lauren is passionate about GEMS (Greenwich Emergency Medical Services), sits on its board and has elevated the GEMS Back to the ’80s Gala to a memorable annual event. “We have the best ambulance service and heart attack save-rate in the nation,” says Lauren, “and a lot of people don’t realize GEMS is a 501c3. When you are on an ambulance for GEMS, you are basically in an emergency room. There is a paramedic on every ambulance. GEMS is the local little-engine-that-could of nonprofits in Greenwich.” Lauren says she talks about “GEMS” so much that “a friend thought I had a lot of jewelry!”
Lauren is also on the board of The American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter and has cochaired its Red and White Balls since 2022. She has also been a longtime supporter of Greenwich Country Day School and sits on the board of the Berkshire School in Massachusetts.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I wish to live in Greenwich until my dying day and preserve what’s great about it,” says Lauren. “It’s a kind and caring community. It’s a happy place, and it’s beautiful. I’d like to see domestic violence not be the No. 1 crime in Greenwich; I would like to see it go away. I’ll continue to support the Harmony project at the YWCA. A woman was getting back on her feet, so I cleaned out my closet to bring her a new wardrobe. Her spirits lifted. It’s important to lift each other up. I look at the political season; I’m not a Republican, but I get along with our first selectman. We can all get along.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Lauren is one of the most committed board members, committee members and event chairs. For more than 20 years, she has dedicated her life to countless organizations and brought in amazing talent to join her along the way.”
— Stephanie Dunn Ashley, CEO American Red Cross MNYN
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{ TEEN CHANGEMAKER }
Catherine Erol
ORGANIZATIONS
The Revolving Soap, Operation Hope
INSPIRATION
“I have always been surrounded by and inspired by young people who are active community members,” says Catherine Erol, a Greenwich Academy graduate and Fairfield resident. “Youth involvement enriches our town and connects us. Instead of doom scrolling on the internet, we can make a noticeable difference in the lives of those around us.”
With the support of a school that values service and with several grants that gave her the backing she needed, Catherine proved even a teenager can make a big impact on neighbors in need.
COURAGE INTO ACTION
In Catherine’s senior year at Greenwich Academy, she was awarded a $1,500 grant. “This grant was essential and kick-started my nonprofit,” she says. She partnered with Operation Hope and spearheaded a program called Backpacks for Hope.
“I learned that many parents were unable to purchase essential school supplies for their children,” explains Catherine. “Since education is the only hope many low-income students have, we thought the name was fitting. I used a majority of the initial grant to organize around 40 backpacks equipped with school supplies depending on the child’s grade. I also placed slime toys in the backpacks as a little back-to-school gift.”
With a small portion of the grant remaining, Catherine turned to the Internet for ideas for another initiative and came up with the idea for her nonprofit, The Revolving Soap. “The hospitality industry throws away millions of barely used soaps. At the same time, thousands of people die every year from diseases that could have been prevented if they had access to soap. Recycling hotel soap reduces the waste the hospitality industry produces and increases hygiene,” explains Catherine. “While the idea sounds revolting at first, recycling soap is safe and saves lives.” Catherine has partnered with local Marriott hotels and the Delamar Hotel.
When Fairfield County Community Foundation extended a $5,000 grant, Catherine expanded her nonprofit and created over 1,000 menstrual hygiene kits, consisting of over 9,000 pads, which she donated to Operation Hope.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“We hope to assemble more of these kits,” says the 19-year-old. “With the rest of the money, we will continue our mission to increase access to hygiene in sustainable ways. Right now, I am exploring other methods of soap generation that are centered around sustainability and reducing waste. Around the world, people are making soap from leftover pineapple skin and plastic. There is room for researching new methods of converting waste into soap, which is very exciting!”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Catherine spends her free time scouring the internet for grants, connecting with local leaders, organizing volunteer meetings and making a tangible impact on the Fairfield County community. Her personal experiences drive her to make an impact in her neighborhood. And her passion is clear the minute you meet her. She is the epitome of a community changemaker, and I wish for others to learn about the positive impact she has on our community.”
—Ceyda Erol, Catherine’s sister
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