Among the hardest-hit Wilton institutions impacted by last August’s unprecedented rainfall and flooding was the Riverbrook Regional/Wilton Family YMCA, which suffered catastrophic damage as floodwaters surged as high as 3.5 feet, leaving a path of destruction in their wake.
In response to the devastation, the Wilton YMCA launched a Flood Relief Campaign, calling on the community to help Restore, Rebuild, and Recover. Answering that call was the Wilton Kiwanis Club, reinforcing its longstanding connection to the YMCA by donating the net proceeds from its largest annual fundraising event, the Pumpkin Patch. The record-breaking pumpkin sales, supplemented by additional member contributions, resulted in an extraordinary $40,000 donation.
Kiwanis Club members presented a check to Wilton YMCA officials on Wednesday, Mar. 5 during the club’s weekly lunch.
“This represents the largest single-year gift we have ever made,” Kiwanis Foundation Treasurer Paul Hannah said, underscoring the significance of the club’s contribution.
Wilton Kiwanis Contributions Committee Chair Mary Anne Franco emphasized the club’s unwavering support. “There was never any doubt in our discussions that Kiwanis would step up for the Wilton Family YMCA in its time of need.”
Kiwanis President Jerry Sprole commended the efforts of the Pumpkin Committee members, led by Hannah and his co-chair Mike Safko, for their dedication in securing high-quality pumpkins, publicizing the event, and making the sale a resounding success. He also extended special thanks to Kiwanian Greg Chann, who played a key role in coordinating efforts with the Wilton Family YMCA.
Jack McFadden a member of both the Kiwanis and YMCA Boards, reflected on the deep-rooted connection between the two organizations. “This gift is the latest of a ‘forever commitment’ to the Wilton Family YMCA that began more than 55 years ago when the Wilton Kiwanis Club donated the land which the YMCA occupies.”
During the presentation, as Franco described damaged suffered by the YMCA, she told of how the Norwalk River, swollen beyond its capacity, shifted the Kiwanis Pavilion from its foundation, rendering it unsafe for use. Debris was swept downstream, clogging the swimming pond, while the force of the floodwaters destroyed the archery range and severely damaged the adjacent platform tennis courts. The baseball field suffered severe erosion, with fence posts uprooted. The storm also forced the closure of the YMCA’s 50-meter pool for an extended period.
YMCA officials have estimated costs to repair the damage at approximately $5 million.
Riverbrook Regional YMCA CEO Christene Freedman expressed tremendous gratitude on the part of her organization.
“Mary Ann was talking about the sheer power of the water, but that has no strength over the sheer power of community, especially all of you as Kiwanians. We would not be here today if it wasn’t for you, and we wouldn’t be here at all if it wasn’t for all of you back in the ’50s that said the Y needs a home in Wilton, and donated that piece of property to us. So we are here and continue to be here because of all of you. So thank you for believing in us, giving us the hope to get through. And we will deliver on our promise to serve the community and all of you,” she said.
Freedman promised that the Kiwanis Pavilion — where the club moves its weekly lunches during the summer to enjoy meeting outside — will be open when the club is ready. “We really look forward to having you back on our campus,” she said.