Every fall the Wilton Kiwanis Club creates a Pumpkin Patch in front of the Wilton Historical Society (224 Danbury Rd.), with proceeds from every sale channeled back into contributions Kiwanis makes throughout the year to organizations in town that serve children.
However, this year, the Kiwanis Club announced that the sole beneficiary of all net proceeds from the six-week sale will be the Wilton Family YMCA, as it recovers from the recent flood devastation. YMCA officials estimated the flood caused more than $4 million in damage to the facility.
At the Pumpkin Patch, the Kiwanis Club — Wilton’s longest-serving volunteer organization — offers for sale pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and varieties, as well as fall decor, including mums, corn, cornstalks and hay. When buyers enjoy selecting the perfect pumpkin and other fall-related items, they will also be helping the YMCA recover and rebuild.
The Pumpkin Patch is one of the club’s largest fundraisers; in past years, the club has sold as much as $50,000 worth of pumpkins, and all proceeds go right back into the community.
“Kiwanis has a long history of supporting the Wilton YMCA, including making the original donation of the property for the founding and construction of the Y, and more recently a $50,000 donation for its latest capital campaign initiative. We want to step up and lead the way for the community so this pillar of our town can fulfill its mission to ‘Restore, Rebuild, (and) Recover.’” Wilton Kiwanis Club President Mike Whitted said.
Wilton Family YMCA Chief Executive Officer Christene Freedman was moved by the pledge from the Kiwanis Club.
“You gave us hope that we will be able to rebuild and continue to create lifetime memories by our campers who joyfully play at the beach each summer, provide swim instruction to inspire youth triathletes in the pond, and support friendships being made under the Pavilion by the Kiwanis Club.”
Whitted praised the special Kiwanis Contributions Committee led by club members Greg Chann and Mary Anne Franco, and the Kiwanis Executive Board for enthusiastically recommending and approving this unprecedented allocation. He also commended action by the Pumpkin Patch Committee led by Paul Hannah and Mike Safko.
“Our relationship with the YMCA means a lot,” Hannah said. “This investment of our biggest fundraiser is significant, and we want to lead the way for the Y.”
Jack McFadden, who serves on both the Wilton Family YMCA and Kiwanis Boards said that collaboration among Wilton nonprofits is a powerful force in our community. “This year, when it comes to selling pumpkins, Wilton Kiwanis and the Wilton Family YMCA are partners,” he said.
Members of the community who wish to contribute directly to the Wilton Family YMCA Flood Relief drive can do so on the YMCA website.
