The Community Fund Of Darien Hosts 'Stamford Movers And Shakers' Networking Event

DARIEN, CT — More than 60 business, nonprofit and civic leaders gathered on Sept. 10 at the newly opened 18 DOCK apartments in Stamford’s South End for a networking breakfast and discussion of Stamford's 2035 Comprehensive Plan.

The event, co-hosted by The Community Fund of Darien and 18 DOCK, featured a fireside chat with Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons moderated by Mia Schipani of Schipani PR.

Peter Saverine, director of development at The Community Fund, opened the program by highlighting the organization’s recent grant-making.

"Although we are about to celebrate our 75th Anniversary from our home base in Darien, we are proud to share that 95 percent of the money we raise annually is granted to nonprofits located in Stamford and Norwalk," Saverine said, according to a news release. "Last year, we granted over $790,000 to 36 nonprofits to ensure that our neighbors have access to food, shelter, physical and mental healthcare, job training, senior and youth success services. In Stamford, specifically, we recently granted over $386,000 to 26 nonprofit agencies that provide services to over 30,000 Stamford residents, one in five of our Stamford neighbors."

Maggie Domont, executive director of The Community Fund, thanked attendees for their continued support.

"I was pleased to connect to so many of Stamford’s ‘Movers and Shakers’ to build new friendships," Domont said. "We are grateful that our local businesses and civic leaders understand the importance of the local nonprofits we support and that their generosity is good for business while strengthening the fabric of human services available to the people who live or work in greater Stamford. With this history of support since 1951, The Community Fund of Darien has distributed over $29 million to local nonprofits improving the lives of thousands of our neighbors."

Schipani introduced Mayor Simmons by noting that city officials worked with the public over the last 10 months to develop the 2035 Comprehensive Plan, which outlines Stamford’s future growth and priorities.

Following a question-and-answer session, Schipani thanked the mayor for her participation.

"Thank you, Mayor Simmons, for taking the time to share your vision for Stamford’s future. We appreciate your openness and your commitment to ensuring that the Plan reflects the voices of our community," she said. "As leaders, we recognize that building a strong, sustainable city requires partnerships and ongoing dialogue, so we look forward to continuing these conversations & working together to turn the goals of the plan into real outcomes that benefit all Stamford residents."