Photographs by William Taufic.
Eighteen years ago, Susan Garofoli read an article about AmeriCares. She and her husband, Joe, had recently moved from New York City to Darien, and AmeriCares was right next door in New Canaan. “My background was in public health,” says Susan. “I called and asked if I could help. They happened to be opening the free clinic in South Norwalk then. It was perfect timing.” 
For almost two decades, Susan has been volunteering at the clinic; and Joe, an investment banker, got involved over the years, attending events, donating money and even riding along on some airlifts. “Once you do that, you’ve really seen AmeriCares first-hand,” says Joe, who was invited to serve on AmeriCares Leadership Council two years ago.
The Garofolis are motivated both by how efficiently this nonprofit runs—“they don’t waste a penny,” comments Susan—and by the need for the services AmeriCares provides, even here. “I think people would be shocked,” says Susan, “and the need is growing.” Before the clinic took appointments, Susan adds, “day laborers, some who were incredibly sick, came to the clinic at 7 a.m. and waited for it to open at 1 p.m.”
Joe has visited AmeriCares’ office in Mumbai, and he and Susan have been to the free clinic and orphanages in El Salvador. “Without AmeriCares’ support, those kids would be living very distressed lives,” says Joe, who admits these stops are emotionally challenging. Susan interjects, “The children gain a lot of hope, though, just knowing someone cares.”
The Garofolis also visited a hospital AmeriCares supports in Guadalajara. “There were what seemed like hundreds of beds on each wing, just bed after bed,” describes Joe. “We’d walk by family members gathered around each bed, and they would smile and greet us. You feel like you are in their life for a moment.”
The couple’s charitable work extends beyond AmeriCares to World Vision (Susan is on the board of Women of Vision of Fairfield County), Habitat for Humanity, and mission trips for Darien Methodist Church, where Susan and Joe are Sunday school teachers. Their three children have been on mission trips from Appalachia to Nicaragua, and the family visited the child they sponsor in Delhi.
“The Garofolis go above and beyond to help people in need, whether they are halfway around the world or just around the corner,” comments Andrea Vakos, AmeriCares director of major gifts.
How do they find the time? “When you are committed, it just becomes part of your life,” says Susan. “You mark it on your calendar and you go and do it. I feel so lucky. I love what I do for the clinic. It truly has enriched my life.”