Meet the neighbors who are transforming lives with passion and purpose
Photography by Katharine Calderwood
Seating Courtesy of Object Refinery, Stamford
Every fall, it feels like we need to hear the stories of our Light a Fire winners more urgently than the year before. The anecdotes of the most selfless and giving neighbors among us are like a balm, reminding us that humanity will prevail—through financial crises, hurricanes, forest fires, wars, pandemics and political strife.
This year, with so much turmoil bombarding us daily in the news and on social media, our honorees’ kind words and pure intentions feel especially vital; they are like a glorious meditation beneath a starry sky on a clear winter’s night. Like powerful poetry or soothing lyrics to a song, decorating our souls for the holidays.
Don’t you feel your heart warming up already? Read on to meet this extraordinary group.
{compassionate leader} Brandi Maniscalco
Organizations
The Community Fund of Darien, Thriving Youth Darien
Inspiration
“My parents modeled the importance of giving back,” says Brandi Maniscalco, who aspires to instill the same values in her four children. She discovered The Community Fund of Darien (TCF) through volunteering on a grants panel. In the process of vetting organizations, this one impressed her.
“I like the fact that as a donor, one check supports multiple local nonprofits,” says Brandi. “Among others, we invest in organizations that reduce food insecurity, provide after-school programs, offer crisis services and give individuals with developmental disabilities opportunities to thrive.” Brandi and her husband, Anthony, subscribe to the adage: “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
Courage into Action
“When I joined the board, it was clear to me that TCF could be even more impactful if we created a signature event,” says Brandi. “We wanted to bring people together around something beautiful and fun, which would also raise money to help our neighbors.” Inspired by “Naples Tables,” Brandi came up with a concept that became the most impactful fundraiser since TCF was founded in 1951.
“Designed to Dine features a select group of designers who create themed tablescapes,” explains Brandi. In three years, the event has raised over $520,000, helping The Community Fund of Darien award record-breaking grants to more than 36 local nonprofits. “Seeing the success of the event and the real impact we can make in people’s lives is exactly why I do this,” says Brandi, who was Board President from 2023 to 2025. As the event enters its fourth year and dovetails with the 75th Anniversary of The Community Fund, she remains actively involved as an Honorary Committee Member, continuing to lend her insight and support to ensure the event’s continued growth and success.
Brandi is also actively involved in Thriving Youth Darien, a volunteer coalition that brings together local organizations to empower youth and promote mental health, with a goal of reducing substance abuse.
Hopes & Dreams
“I want to raise more money through events like Designed to Dine so that every neighbor feels supported and has access to what they need to thrive in our local communities,” says Brandi. “I hope that events like this keep inspiring others to get involved by giving their time, talents and treasure. Together we can build a stronger, more connected community, where everyone feels cared for.”
Words of Praise
“Brandi was the visionary and driving force behind Designed to Dine. Her leadership helped shape the event into a popular, sold-out fundraiser that engages the community and raises substantial funds. Designed to Dine’s success enabled TCF to award a record-breaking $790,000 in grants in 2024 to more than 36 local nonprofit organizations focused on providing Darien, Norwalk and Stamford residents with access to food, housing, healthcare, job and skills training and youth success programs.” —Amy Clarke, The Community Fund of Darien, Marketing Director
{champion for change} Stuart Adelberg
Organizations
Greenwich Symphony Orchestra, Children’s Day School, Barbara’s House; Ruth Brown Foundation, Stamford Personnel Commission
Inspiration
“I am inspired by other people, countless individuals who are driven with passion and determination to leave the world in a better state than they found it,” says Stuart Adelberg. “I have learned from some of the smartest, most accomplished people you could ever wish to meet—people who could truly do anything, but who choose to work for the benefit of others. People love the cliché that ‘you get more than you give,’ but it is absolutely the truth. When your days have meaning and you work alongside people you love and respect, when you know that everything you do will play some small role in helping to raise the bar, even a little, for someone else—every day involved in these efforts really is a gift.”
Courage into Action
Stuart spent 25 years at the Greenwich United Way, including 15 years as President and CEO. The Stamford resident then served as CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County for four years. Meshing his passion for the arts with his nonprofit experience, Stuart devoted over three years to the Avon Theatre Film Center in Stamford. He then retired but didn’t slow down. He is currently Board President for both the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra and Children’s Day School; Board Vice-Chair for Barbara’s House; a Ruth Brown Foundation trustee; and Commissioner of the Stamford Personnel Commission. His previous volunteer work includes the Greenwich Arts Council (Advisory Board), At Home in Greenwich (Advisory Board President), Greenwich Center for the Arts (founding Board Member), Temple Sholom (Trustee), Junior League of Greenwich (Community Advisory Board), Greenwich Hospital (Community Advisory Board) and St. Catherine’s Players (Artistic Director for 25 years).
Stuart believes in asking hard questions. “Everyone wants to make a difference, so we need to demonstrate that we do. And if we find out that our results are not exactly what we had hoped, we need to have the courage to change,” he says. “My hope is that I have not only worked with organizations that have accomplished great things, but that I have left those organizations better positioned to continue making a positive impact.”
Hopes & Dreams
“So much effort is now devoted to fundraising that some of the most inspirational, mission driven, life-changing work gets left on the table,” says Stuart. “We are all doing great work, but when you ask volunteers and professionals to engage in visioning exercises—to describe what they might offer the community if funding was not a consideration—you hear the most incredible things. My dream would be to provide the resources, so those with the passion, knowledge and dedication can make them a reality.”
Words of Praise
“Stuart has been actively engaged within the nonprofit world throughout Fairfield County for over 40 years. Even though he is involved with many different types of non-profit organizations, he gives 100 percent to each of them and is a much-respected and in-demand board member and leader, known for his honesty, hard work and problem-solving skills.” —Marilyn Adelberg, Stuart’s wife
{passionate conservationist} Chris Schipper
Organizations
New Canaan Community Foundation
Friends of Bristow Park
Waveny Park Conservancy
New Canaan Land Trust
Inspiration
“I’ve always been inspired by the natural world, starting with the streams and woodlands near my childhood home, followed by camping trips with the Boy Scouts,” says Chris Schipper. In adulthood, he has loved exploring the Missouri River, the Scottish Highlands, the Austrian Alps and the Serengeti. “I’ve also felt that having access to natural places locally is important for children and adults to reconnect with and experience the wonders of nature,” he says.
Courage into Action
When Chris retired from corporate life, he sought out a public service role that would protect the beautiful topography that drew him to New Canaan. “I was attracted to the New Canaan Land Trust, which had conserved over 300 acres of wetlands, woodlands and meadows,” he says. Chris joined the board in 2012 and worked to open trails on several larger properties and to increase land trust holdings. “I had the good fortune of working with Jim Fowler—of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom—to acquire and re-wild his property in New Canaan,” recalls Chris. “In many hours of meetings with Jim, I learned a lot about conservation.”
Chris was a founding board member of the Waveny Park Conservancy, where he served from 2015 to 2024. He chaired the New Canaan Conservation Commission from 2018 to 2023 and led the “Friends of Bristow Park” effort to restore the historic Bird Sanctuary and Wildwood Preserve for its 2024 Centennial Celebration. Created in 1924, Bristow is the third oldest privately founded bird sanctuary in the nation. The restoration included improved entrances, senior- and stroller-friendly trails, added bird habitat and scenic viewing areas. “Most happily, in 2024 we identified 126 bird species in and about the park, up from 91 in 1924,” says Chris.
Chris has interacted extensively with the New Canaan Community Foundation and received the Spirit of New Canaan Award in 2018. He assumed the role of Board Chair in July 2025. “The NCCF regularly steps up to provide the financial oxygen to back well-planned new initiatives,” says Chris. “If I or the boards I served with provided the spark, the Community Foundation supplied the oxygen to light a fire.”
Chris received an Aquarion Environmental Champion Award last June.
Hopes & Dreams
“As we’ve moved into a period of fiscal uncertainty and national turbulence, the role of local public service organizations has become more important than ever,” says Chris. “The strength of local communities will rest on the generosity and service of its citizens. My joy in working hard to promote local conservation and preservation is not just to save the past, but to make a gift to the future.”
Words of Praise
“Chris Schipper has been a strong advocate for open space, wildlife sanctuaries and the scenic beauty of New Canaan for over 20 years. He joined the New Canaan Land Trust Board in 2012, was President through May 2016 and remains on the Advisory Board. Chris is widely credited with reviving the New Canaan Land Trust and building it into the thriving nonprofit that it is today.” » — Lauren Patterson, New Canaan Community Foundation, President & CE
{lifetime achievement} Kay Maxwell
Organizations
League of Women Voters
Planned Parenthood
Inspirica
Inspiration
Kay Maxwell went to high school near our nation’s capitol. “This was back when D.C. was a small town,” says the Stamford resident. “When we had a school holiday, we would go into the Supreme Court and listen to cases being argued. We could go into the Library of Congress and do research for papers.” This exposure to government inspired Kay to get involved in the League of Women Voters. She lobbied for the League on Capitol Hill, “back at a time when even if you were lobbying a member of one party about an issue they opposed, you could still have a reasonable conversation. It was the good old days that inspired me in terms of what the League does and stands for, with citizen participation being so critical.”
Kay was motivated to get involved with Planned Parenthood by “seeing the challenges over the years,” she says, recounting an era when women couldn’t have credit cards or get birth control. “Everybody thinks of Planned Parenthood as abortion only; that is only about 3 percent of what they do.”
Courage into Action
From 2002 to 2006, Kay served as the 16th President of the League of Women Voters of the United States and Chair of the Education Fund. She chaired the board of Off the Record at the Foreign Policy Association in New York from 2020 to 2024. For the past 30 years, she has moderated League-sponsored candidate debates at the local, state and Congressional level. “This service to the public is so important,” says Kay. “We want people to be informed when they go to vote—no matter who, with whom or for what they vote.”
Kay continues, “I served on the board of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England and chaired the board when Connecticut merged with Rhode Island. Since 2018, after I retired from my professional job, I have volunteered at the Stamford Clinic, escorting patients past the charming protesters who are always at the end of our driveway. It’s not fun,
but it’s certainly needed.”
Kay was also a member of the Board of Directors of Inspirica from 2012 to 2019 and now serves on its Advisory Council.
Hopes & Dreams
“I hope that the League of Women Voters and Planned Parenthood can continue to thrive and do the job the public needs and wants. In both cases, they’re under attack,” laments Kay. “With Planned Parenthood, they are
Words of Praise
“Kay could be nominated for a number of Light a Fire categories, but I came to know her as a fierce advocate for women’s health as Chairman of the Board of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England in the 2010s. Now Kay volunteers at Stamford’s Planned Parenthood clinic, warmly welcoming and safely escorting patients into the facility while shielding them from protesters, as well as assisting patients in the recovery room. She exemplifies the word ‘tireless.’ ” —Erica Buchsbaum, Former Board Member, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
{grassroots changemaker} Mike Evans
Organizations
Full Court Peace
Inspiration
Mike Evans was in Belfast playing basketball in 2006, after playing at Hamilton College, when he had an idea. He was working with an organization that was trying to unite primary-school-age Protestant and Catholic kids. Mike says, “I wanted to work with kids that were at that point where they were like, ‘Am I going to listen to my parents anymore?’ If I could intercede at that time period and maybe convince them to play with the opposite side of the community, I would.” His inspiration came from observing a school system that is “98 percent segregated, even today” and seeing the intense animosity on both sides. “I had about five teens from each side that were really loving basketball,” he says. “I thought, ‘Can I bring these two groups of kids together?’ ”
Courage Into Action
His goal proved harder than expected. They refused to play together. Mike got a tip from a reformed ex-prisoner (Protestant) who had worked with an IRA member and enticed soccer players to unite with the promise of a trip to the U.S. Mike flew back home to Weston and made visits to Norfield Congregational and St. Francis Parish. “I pitched the idea that we come together to bring this team over to Weston in June. That day, I had the host families and the money to bring them over,” he says. With the lure of a trip to Connecticut and New York and help from two forward-thinking principals, Mike got his team.
They went from players who wouldn’t cross the half-court line to speak to each other to Protestant-Catholic pairs bonding in host homes the following summer. “The last night we stayed in a hotel in New York, I went to do a bed check,” recalls Mike, “and they were all in one room together listening to each other’s rebel songs, pausing it and explaining the words to each other, peacefully.” From that success, Full Court Peace was born, to foster leagues by building and repairing courts and supplying uniforms. The Havana league, 17 years strong, now has 600 players. Santo Domingo has 300. There is a league in San Juan and one on a reservation in Wyoming. Mike takes no salary. “All the money goes to these people and what they need,” he says. Mike wrote a book, Belfast Blazers, about his project and is working on a documentary.
Hopes & Dreams
“I would like there to be an intermingled league from Queens up to Norwalk, with a championship tournament in Cuba,” muses Mike. “I want you to be able to grow up in a housing project in New York City and be able to see the world because of basketball.”
Words of Praise
“Mike Evans is an amazing basketball coach who goes above and beyond for each and every kid. He teaches them how to work together and be good sports. With Full Court Peace, he builds basketball courts in underserved neighborhoods in the U.S. and around the world. Mike brings his kids and parents with him to build these courts, giving the opportunity and access to these communities to work together to build a community court.” —Christa Carr, Parent of a Basketball Student
{best friend to women} Blanche Parker
Organizations
Women’s Mentoring Network
Inspiration
“Years and years ago, someone at the library had gone to a Women’s Mentoring Network meeting, and she said, ‘I have a perfect volunteer opportunity for you,’ ” recalls Blanche Parker, who lives in Norwalk and works at Darien Library. That was about 25 years ago, and Blanche has been inspired by WMN ever since. “I’ve met so many wonderful women over the years and their children. They inspire me,” she says. “They never let circumstances stop them from reaching their goals.” She looks forward to her time volunteering and the perspective she gains. After time with WMN clients, she notices a change; “I realize I don’t have problems,” she says. “I like being helpful. It’s a joy. I really don’t feel like I’m giving back. I get as much out of it as the people I meet.”
Blanche’s family always had a tradition of making sure everyone was taken care of. “My older cousins would tell me about my great-grandfather, who lived on a farm and would load up his wagon every Saturday and bring food to relatives,” she recalls.
Courage into Action
“As a librarian, I always try to be an encourager, especially to young women,” says Blanche. That role of encourager expanded to board member, fundraising connector, greeter, food pantry distributor, organizer and even cleaner, as Blanche became passionately involved in everything from decision-making to daily operations at WMN. The organization’s mission of promoting economic empowerment for women and their children through personal development, education and employment services resonates with Blanche, who has been a research librarian for the past 45 years. Blanche volunteers at every Strategic Life Skills Workshop on Tuesdays—welcoming the attendees, giving out food and lifting the spirits of anyone having a difficult time. At the food pantry, she stocks shelves, packs bags of food and helps with distribution. She is a familiar face at the front desk at most WMN events and the one who makes sure everything is cleaned up afterwards.
Hopes & Dreams
“My hope is that WMN will someday become a national program,” says Blanche. “Being a librarian, I see the articles every day—how much it takes to live, especially in this area. I dream that we can help more and more people achieve their dreams.” Blanche has witnessed a woman go through the program who now has a PhD. “Some of the children have graduated from Ivy League schools,” she adds. “Some have bought their homes and started their own businesses. To see the journey of these women and their children over the years, it has been wonderful.”
Words of Praise
“When Blanche is involved with anything related to our organization, I have a sense of comfort and confidence that things will get done. I can’t tell you how thankful we are to
have Blanche as part of our board and organization. It is because of her and all of our volunteers that we can accomplish our mission and provide quality programs and services to our members.”— Lana Gifas, Women’s Mentoring Network, Executive Director
{health advocate} Andres Moreira
Organization
American Red Cross
Metro New York North
GEMS, Swim Across America
Inspiration
Greenwich resident Andres Moreira was born in Ecuador, where the saying “buen vivir” informed his perspective on service. “Translated literally, it means ‘good living’ or ‘living well,’ but it goes beyond material comfort,” Andres explains. “It is a philosophy rooted in community, reciprocity and collective well-being. I’ve seen this way of life in the community where I grew up. I’ve been fortunate to surround myself with people who embody these values—people who, over time, have become like family to me. Their generosity, selflessness and dedication to uplifting others have deeply inspired me, and watching them give back in meaningful ways has instilled in me a strong desire to do the same.”
Courage into Action
As a healthcare administrator and devoted volunteer for American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter and Greenwich Emergency Medical Services (GEMS), Andres is committed to “being there for people and our community when they need us the most. It’s about bringing humanity, respect and empathy to support others in what could be their most critical and vulnerable moments of their lives,” he says.
Andres sits on the Red Cross board and chairs the Biomedical Services, spearheading mobile blood drives and raising awareness about the Jill and John Coyle Blood Center. He believes in being “boots on the ground,” not only sitting in a board room. Andres’ favorite part of his volunteer work is “spending time in the canteen area after people donate, listening to donors share their heartfelt stories of why they give,” he says. He loves the community-building blood drives like Battle of the Badges in December, led by Chief Heavey of the Greenwich Police Department, and interfaith blood drives. “The act of donating blood has come a long way, and we’re working hard to make it a memorable and meaningful experience,” he says.
Andres discovered his passion for healthcare as an EMT with GEMS as a teenager and then becoming a CPR instructor. “One of the contributions I’m most proud of is leading GEMS’ efforts to offer CPR and first aid classes to vulnerable communities, providing these lifesaving trainings in Spanish and at no cost,” he says. “I’m excited to share that we are currently working to revive these programs with the support of community partners.”
Hopes & Dreams
“My hope is that our communities continue to support and value the volunteers and staff of these organizations, who show up in these moments of need, and to simply be there for our neighbors and each other,” says Andres. “Empathy, compassion and teamwork are what will make our world and the communities we live in stronger and more connected. My goal is to always lead with authenticity, empathy and purpose—to be a servant leader who lifts others up.”
Words of Praise
“Andres’ dedication to the Red Cross has been nothing short of inspiring. From participating in Sound the Alarm events to donating blood, his commitment to the community shines brightly! He is described as a humanitarian who aligns with the Red Cross mission of alleviating human suffering, both through his professional work in healthcare and his volunteer efforts. He volunteers alongside Jennifer Freda, his wife, strengthening their relationship and connection to the community.” — Stephanie Dunn Ashley, American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter, CEO
{community good neighbor} Barbara Salop
Organizations
Jewish Family Services of Greenwich
Inspiration
“I like to lead with my heart, inspired by my mother’s quiet dedication to service,” says Riverside resident Barbara Salop. “Her first reaction to any situation was to think of others. She let us know it was how one lived in this world. I am driven to make small things better for each person. Everyone has the spark of goodness in them, and I want to bring it to the light so we both can let it warm our hearts. In return, I get at least as much fulfillment as I give.”
Courage into Action
For over ten years, Barbara has warmed many hearts through Jewish Family Services of Greenwich. She has been a leader in JFS’s Bikur Cholim program, a sacred Jewish tradition of visiting the sick. Barbara provides comfort and companionship through multiple weekly visits to Greenwich Hospital and weekly visits to Nathaniel Witherell Senior Residence. Her warm presence and consistent visits have brought solace to countless individuals navigating illness, aging and isolation.
Barbara also co-leads Jewish holiday services, as well as Friday Shabbat services on Zoom for seniors who find it difficult to attend synagogue. She lends her beautiful voice, spreading joy by joining Rabbi Newman in song. “I believe that these simple acts of recognition and sharing have broadened spiritual connection to, and among, an underserved part of our community,” says Barbara.
She also participates in a monthly community healing service, in person at Greenwich Hospital and virtually, offering prayers and emotional support to those facing health challenges. Barbara has been a Supermarketing for Seniors volunteer for over six years, faithfully shopping for three senior women at Hill House.
Her commitment goes beyond errands. Her relationship with the late Bernie Pressner, a WWII fighter pilot, exemplifies the depth of her compassion. Barbara became like a daughter to Bernie, offering not just practical help but true companionship until his passing at age 102.
Barbara also serves on the Advisory Board of the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies at Fairfield University, is an honorary board member of the Shir Ami Congregation and volunteers with the Fairfield County Chorale.
Hopes & Dreams
“As a board member as well as a volunteer leader, I hope to sustain and grow the power of JFS Greenwich programs that touch others deeply, even in small ways, connecting them to the community,” states Barbara. “We become a stronger world in so many ways when we are connected. I want to personally demonstrate how easy and fulfilling it is to give back and make a positive impact.”
“Since joining JFS as a volunteer in 2014, Barbara has become a pillar of compassion, spiritual support and steadfast dedication to the vulnerable and aging members of our community. Barbara’s humble leadership, unwavering devotion and capacity for empathy make her an exceptional volunteer and a true inspiration to all who know her.” — Beth Jabick, JFS Greenwich, Director of Volunteer Services
{dedicated board member} Sally Lawrence
Organizations
Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich
Greenwich Historical Society
Florence Griswold Museum
Inspiration
Sally Lawrence has been on the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG) for over 20 years. Her inspiration for putting so much time and energy into the organization, particularly its scholarship program, is clear. “The kids at the club,” says Sally, who serves as Vice Chair. “Their life stories are incredible. They are resilient; many have faced obstacles. I love meeting them and learning about their experiences. They are interesting, strong, smart kids, and they give back.” The Keystone Club within BGCG enables kids who have benefitted from the club’s offerings to, in turn, help others. “My grandmother came here from Sweden at age 15 with her 13-year-old sister, alone, in 1888. I think of her when I meet these kids,” says Sally.
Courage into Action
In her over two decades of service to the BGCG Board, she served as Secretary for much of that time and co-chaired the Scholarship Committee for 12 years. “Every spring, we interview about 60 kids,” explains Sally. There is also an essay and recommendation component to help determine which students will receive scholarships. In 2025, a total of $463,500 was awarded to 66 kids. “It’s really exciting to make these awards to these kids,” she adds. “One to three older kids get the Torch Award, the highest scholarship award. These are kids who grew up in the club, were mentored by the staff and give back. They volunteer, have jobs, and many have to help their families—babysit or help with parents’ medical care. They give us great promise for the future.”
Sally has sat on the board of the Greenwich Historical Society for a decade. “I was born in Connecticut and grew up in Connecticut, so I love Connecticut history,” says Sally, who has lived in Greenwich for 35 years. She is also on the board of the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. “I love the way those two organizations connect Connecticut history and art. Both were artist colonies at the turn of the century,” she explains. “I love to give back to these places, but they’ve given more to me than I to them,” Sally says. “It’s really a gift to be involved.”
Hopes & Dreams
“I wish for these organizations to be financially stable and have engaged, supportive boards. I want them to thrive and be financially sustainable,” says Sally. She is excited about the newly-renovated clubhouse at BGCG. “We will have 300 kids in there per day. There’s a learning center. It will be amazing. The staff there, they are beyond wonderful,” she says.
Words of Praise
“Sally joined the BGCG Board in 2004 and has been an active volunteer throughout her tenure. Co-chairing its Scholarship Committee for the last 10 years has been her passion at the Club. She also loves volunteering at the Thanksgiving Feast, the Pancake Breakfast and the Holiday Party. In addition to generous annual fund donations each year, Sally and her husband, Larry, are at the Visionary level of the Club’s current capital campaign, having donated a seven-figure gift.”
{impactful duo} Beth & Joe Massoud
Organizations
Homes with Hope
Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut
Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County
Bridgeport Rescue Mission
Inspiration
Giving back is a mutual priority for Westporters Joe and Beth Massoud. Joe’s inspiration derives from how fortunate he feels they are “to have grown up in safe communities, been blessed with high-quality educations, live in a comfortable home in a nice community and have a healthy family. It’s hard to look at the disparities in opportunities at our doorstep and not be inspired to try to do something, anything really,” he says.
Beth adds, “My mother was a role model to me growing up. She especially gave her time to care for extended family and neighbors.” Beth met Joe at a middle school tutoring program during business school, so giving back literally brought them together and continues to be their glue. “Giving back has always been part of our connection,” she says. “It’s important to us to be able to contribute in a meaningful way to our community.”
Courage into Action
The Massouds have been involved in numerous charitable organizations over the past 30 years and have cemented the family’s commitment to giving by setting up the Elizabeth and Joseph Massoud Family Foundation. “We’ve each been fortunate to be able to focus on organizations and causes that we love,” says Joe.
For Joe, that has meant being a multiyear mentor for two young men through Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as a Board member and pivotal supporter for over 20 years. He also helped to establish Bridgeport Rescue Mission’s facility on Park Avenue. “More recently, I have focused my efforts on welcoming and helping new arrivals to our country become safe, happy and productive members of our community through Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants.” Joe is a Board member, and the couple sponsored CIRI’s welcome center.
As a former Board chair, Board member, Women Build fundraiser and project sponsor for Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County, Beth has helped to build numerous homes for families in need. She now serves on the Board of Homes with Hope.
Hopes & Dreams
“There is just so much need that it can seem unsolvable, but every day, every one of these organizations and so many more are solving problems for people, one at a time. We hope they have the strength to keep improving our community one life at a time,” says Joe. Elizabeth adds: “My hope is that our contributions are materially impacting the people that the organization has set out to serve. If I could just have one wish, I think it is stable access to the financial resources these organizations need to support and expand their missions. It is difficult to know whether to broaden a service or begin a new program if you are unclear about the future ability to support it.”
Words of Praise
“Joe and Beth believe that philanthropy begins at home, and they are proud to have been involved with and supported numerous organizations in Fairfield County over the years. Joe was a Big Brother for a young Norwalk man, Melvin, from 1998 to 2008, and they remain good friends, and Joe is a consistent mentor to him to this day. Joe took on his second ‘little,’ Tramont, in 2020, and spends time and mentors him regularly.” — Sheryl Spivack Braun, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut, Vice President of Philanthropy