The Wilton Woman’s Club (WWC) has selected Circle of Care as its 2025 fundraising beneficiary for its Annual Spring Fashion Show Fundraiser and Luncheon, scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Rolling Hills Country Club.
For the past two decades, Wilton-based Circle of Care has supported families of children with cancer through programs and services such as day-of-diagnosis care packages, dream room makeovers and emergency financial assistance to help families pay for non-medical expenses like housing, transportation and food. The nonprofit partners with Yale New Haven Hospital, CT Children’s Medical Center, Baystate Children’s Hospital in Western Massachusetts, and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY. Since its inception, Circle of Care has helped 3,600 families and provided over $5 million in services to families in need.
It all started when two Wilton mothers heard the words that no parent ever wants to hear: “Your child has cancer.” Circle of Care founders Liz Salguero and Dawn Ladenheim met in a support group and were shocked to discover that they lived in the same town, both had young sons with leukemia and were being treated by the same doctor but had not yet crossed paths. Before their sons’ treatments had even ended, they set out to find a better way for parents to connect and navigate their journeys together.
“We are so very grateful for the support of the Wilton Woman’s Club,” Salguero said. “For 20 years we have been providing essential emotional and financial support to children with cancer and their families here in our community. We can’t do it without the generosity of our neighbors. The Wilton Woman’s Club is an invaluable partner to many local organizations, and we are so fortunate to have earned their support this year!”
Representatives from Circle of Care will attend the next WWC general meeting on Jan. 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at Comstock Community Center (180 School Rd.), where they will illustrate how funds will be utilized and answer any questions members may have.
The Wilton Woman’s Club was founded in 1966 by a group of women led by Betty Sternad, who had a vision for serving people and groups in Wilton and the surrounding communities by giving back through philanthropy, education and strengthening the bonds between women. Today, the Wilton Woman’s Club is a dynamic organization that thrives on service, philanthropy and camaraderie. The club welcomes women of all ages, backgrounds, and talents. The objectives of the WWC are to serve, learn, and connect women through community service, social activities, and education. In the last decade, the Wilton Woman’s Club has proudly contributed over $250,000 to local, nonprofit organizations and scholarships for Wilton High School seniors.