We’re all about spreading the GOOD in Wilton, and GOOD Morning Wilton‘s “FUNdrai$er Friday$” publicizes efforts that benefit worthy community causes. Every Friday, check out the featured opportunities to pitch in, lend a hand, donate and help other Wilton residents give back to the community.
We welcome submissions from individuals, organizations and charity efforts raising money, seeking donations and recruiting volunteers. Send all pertinent information to us via email–the who, what, when, where, how and why. Include any photos, links or even videos that might help tell the story and increase the response from our readers. Don’t forget to make sure your contact information is there as well. (Sorry, we can only accept FUNdrai$er Friday$ ideas via email. Please put “Fundraiser Fridays” in the email subject line.)
When Food Can Be Life-Threatening
Back-to-School is always a busy time for parents with school-aged children. The start of the school year means shopping for new school clothes, shoes, backpacks and the mountains of school supplies. For parents of children with food allergies, this time of year also has them scrambling to assemble all of the necessary paperwork that must be provided to the school health offices, along with all necessary medications. For one Wilton parent, Jessie Adams, this is no easy feat. Her 9-year-old son, Oliver, lives with multiple severe food allergies. He needs to have three medications on-hand in the Cider Mill Health Office should he come into dangerous contact with any of his allergens. And because he is allergic to things like peanuts, tree nuts, beef, pork and peas, the chances are very high that he comes into close contact with these allergens on a daily basis. Anxiety and fear are on a constant simmer in the back of Adams’ head while Oliver is at school.
“But this is our reality and while some days I feel extremely nervous about my son as he grows up and becomes more independent, I also feel hope that there is so much research being done in this field,” she says.
Adams considers herself lucky to have become close friends with another Wilton mom, Jenny Andjelkovic, who is the chair of Food Allergy CT, part of FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), a national organization that supports allergy research, education and advocacy. Andjelkovic, whose three children all have food allergies, volunteers a lot of her time planning the annual FARE Heroes Walk, a fundraiser that supports research and education. This year’s CT Heroes Walk took place at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport last Saturday, Sept. 23. Their families were instrumental in helping fundraise almost $70,000 toward the walk’s overall $145,000 goal, but contributions are still very much appreciated. The two friends hope readers will consider a donation by visiting Oliver’s fundraising page or the Andjelkovic kids’ page.
Additionally, for families looking for support, information about food allergies or to get more involved, Adams says not to hesitate to reach out to Andjelkovic via email. She is currently planning the upcoming winter speaker series and a March family workshop to educate and support those living with food allergies. She also suggests attending the FARE Connecticut Fall Luncheon, featuring keynote speaker James Baker, Jr. MD CEO and Chief Medical Officer, FARE, at Greenwich Country Club on Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.. Registration can be completed online.
Climate Change Film Screening with Fisher Stevens, to Benefit Woodcock Nature Center and Norwalk River Watershed Association
This Sunday, Oct. 1, come see a screening of the film, Before the Flood at the Ridgefield Playhouse, which will be followed by a Q&A with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens, who produced and directed this important National Geographic film about climate change.
Stevens made the film with actor, environmental activist and U.N. Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio. Before the Flood presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change, as well as the actions we as individuals and as a society can take to prevent the disruption of life on our planet.
Admission is $10, and $5 for youth/students/seniors. Tickets can be purchased on the Woodcock Nature Center website or at the door.
Proceeds from the evening benefit projects in community conservation at Woodcock Nature Center and the Norwalk River Watershed Association. Supporting organizations include Harbor Watch, Save the Sound, Ridgefield Library and RACE (Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the screening begins at 7:30 p.m..
Trail Building at Quarry Head Park
A group of volunteers are helping the Wilton Land Conservation Trust in trail building at Quarry Head Park.
This Saturday, Sept. 30 from 8:30 a.m.-noon, spend a beautiful morning in one of Wilton’s prime forested landscapes, assisting the Land Trust in constructing a boardwalk. Under the leadership of master trail builder Dave Frankfort, volunteers are needed to clear an old trail, transport lumber (with the help of an ATV), and construct the boardwalk sections. Tools, work gloves, water, and pizza for lunch will be provided.
The forecast is for temps in the 50s, making it a perfect morning for some good, healthy exercise and lots of camaraderie.
Please email Donna Merrill to join in. She will reply with confirmation and detailed directions to the site.