As the weather warms, Westport heads into gala/benefit/fundraiser season.
Every spring, non-profits host events to fill their coffers. They take many forms — but they nearly always include some kind of auction, and often a program book.
Over and over, year after year, the same folks get asked to help: local merchants.
Time and again, they come through.
National brands, chain stores, the big boys who can more easily afford it — they seldom do.
“It’s against corporate policy,” they say.
Or: “We have to go through headquarters. There’s not enough time.”
Meanwhile, the mom-and-pops — struggling already against those same competitors, and online shops — donate merchandise for auctions and swag bags. They give gift certificates. They write checks for program ads, knowing full well that few folks ever open the booklet.
Savvy + Grace is one of many local merchants that donate whenever they’re asked.
Our local merchants, restaurants and services are hit up for everything.
They say yes for 3 reasons: These are their customers. They want to help. And they feel part of the community.
This week — as we get ready for gala/benefit/fundraiser season — they are our Unsung Heroes of the week.
Be sure to thank them for their generosity.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com!)
Nothing better than shopping at Savvy & Grace. Last week I was in need of a baby gift. Annette put together a beautifully wrapped gift and shipped it to me in Fl. She is perfection ❤️❤️
This is so true. I raise funds for a number of local non-profits, and the only “chains” that ever respond to my requests (and they are not really big chains) are J McLaughlin and Splash of Pink. In each case, local management has the ability to approve contributions without the fiction of having to refer it to headquarters.
Yes her wrapping makes even a small gift
appear luxurious!
Would be nice if our Administration and DPIC
would not be so hell bent on moving parking further
away from Main Street especially without even
including these merchants in the planning
process which I,and many others, considered
more than shameful and without good reason
except perhaps deliberate nontransparency and
delay of public input -perhaps for the benefit of
special interest entities? I only wonder and ask
this for myself
today trying to understand and without any
intent of spreading previously circulated conspiracy
theories published in recent online commentary by
more than a few.
A travesty that I hope is somewhat remedied by
the new proposed RTM guidelines at the
least,and our First Selectman ideally, who has gained
a reputation for never answering emails or
providing regular conscise easily accessed
updates of what exactly is being
planned, in one place, by her appointed committees until
outrage and protest occurs for what is about to
be forcibly thrust on all Westport citizens.
I wonder if Diane Silfen would pop into Savy and
Grace for 1 quick gift if she had to walk 34 minutes
there and back to do so especially in the pouring rain, snow,
ice, darkness, freezing cold or stifling heat?
Savy and Grace is certainly worth it yet
why create an unnecessary impediment?
Years ago Al Fiore and I ran the WPD/PAL golf tournament. We did it for a number of years. It was a huge deal involving nearly 300 players and another 50-60 people in support positions. Morning and afternoon shotgun starts, breakfast, lunch and a sit down dinner. (btw all proceeds to the PAL scholarship fund)..We got a lot of support from Mitchells, Marios, Dunvilles etc. with shirts and alcoholic beverages. Year one we realized that we needed non alcoholic beverages and we reached out to our friend Jimmy Smith who was President of Cadbury Schweppes/ Canada Dry USA. I think we were hoping for 20 cases of water and soda. Jimmy sent an entire 18 wheeler semi loaded with water and soda!! RIP Jimmy and thanks again for your support.