Letter: Wilton Woman’s Club Thanks All for Attending Signature Fundraising Event

To the Editor:

The Wilton Woman’s Club (WWC) held its 15th Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser last Thursday, April 25 at Rolling Hills Country Club to benefit the Caregiver Respite Program operated by Waveny Visiting Nurse and Hospice.

Over 160 attended this signature Wilton event which traditionally ushers in spring and brings people together to raise money for a worthy cause. Guests enjoyed a delicious luncheon while viewing WWC members modeling spring styles from major designers.

The WWC Philanthropy Committee co-chairs Clare Murphy and Donna Peterson led the review of numerous local organizations that provide essential services to the Wilton community and beyond. The Caregiver Respite Program was selected to address the increasing needs of caregivers who are often overworked when caring for family members.

“We are deeply grateful to the Wilton Woman’s Club for honoring Waveny-Visiting Nurse and Hospice as the beneficiary of the 15th Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser,” Hospice Administrator Mary Ross said. “Funded by the WWC donation, the Caregiver Respite Program will provide desperately needed regular relief for those who are primary caregivers to loved ones with chronic illnesses or disabilities. One in three caregivers report providing more than 20 hours per week of care to a loved one, and many live right here in Wilton and in the surrounding communities. They need to attend to their own health, grocery shopping, get out for lunch with a friend or simply rest, and I can promise that this support means we can provide an amazing gift of care for these caregivers.”

Visit the Waveny Lifecare Network website to learn more about how the organization accomplishes its mission to provide a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the changing needs of seniors. All contributions are still welcome on the WWC website.

“[We] would like to thank everyone who attended the event and participated in the silent auction, purchased trips from AmFund, or contributed funds in other ways at the event. The generosity of our community is overwhelming,” Wilton Woman’s Club President and Event Chair Maria Wilcox said.

The WWC would like to recognize the sponsors of the 2024 Fashion Show Fundraiser: Merit Financial Advisors, Aroma Beauty & Wellness Spa, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and GOOD Morning Wilton as the Media Sponsor. “All have been longtime Champions of the Wilton Woman’s Club and this signature fundraising event,” Wilcox said. “We are very lucky to have their continued support.”

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.