Christmas came a day early for Charlotte.
The 93-year-old Balducci’s cashier — perhaps the most beloved store clerk in Westport — was honored by several dozen people this morning, for her warm smile, her kind words, and her long service to generations of shoppers. (She began in the bakery, back in the Hay Day days.)
There was a brief speech. There were flowers.
And there was a check.
Boy, was there a check!
In just 3 days, grateful customers responded to a social media post by one of her biggest fans: Instacart driver Dan Frank.
Charlotte, with her $28,950 check.
Donations poured in from all over town — and beyond. Current and former customers and former colleagues contributed, from across the country.
Some gave a few dollars. An anonymous donor sent $3,000. All added best wishes, and love.
The total came to a whopping $28,950.
The ceremony began as Charlotte left her register, and was escorted to a chair near the back.
“What did I do wrong?” she asked mischievously.
Dan Frank spoke for many.
“I come here for work several days a week,” he said.
“I come in thinking about my own needs. But every interaction with you lifts me up. You make every day better.”
Growing emotional, he continued, “Charlotte, you have an extraordinary impact on people.”
He handed her a large copy of the large check, “with love and gratitude.”
“I love everyone!” Charlotte replied. “I love you all.”
An overflow crowd honors Charlotte.
Someone in the crowd began singing, “For she’s a jolly good fellow.”
Dozens of voices joined in.
“This is the best way to give back,” Dan concluded.
Dan Frank thanks Charlotte.
Enjoying the warm glow in the cold air, Charlotte’s friends and admirers agreed.
Still, they knew, there was no way — even with a check — they could ever repay what she has given them, with a simple smile day after day, year after year, in her very special grocery store checkout line.
One 93-year-old honors another.
The woman of the hour (day) (year). (All photos/Ryan Allen)
No one ever deserves more both the check and the genuine feelings that go with it.
To Dan Frank for creating and initiating this and to Dan Woog for further sharing the story and the celebration today Thank you and to Charlotte there are probably not enough superlatives to describe you but your impact is great and you are loved
God Bless! The local media should carry this story and a wonderful example of community and togetherness!
she is absolutely gorgeous a wonderful kind woman; she deserved every penny!
Thanks to both Dan and Frank for organize this and of course our 06880 heartbeat Dan Woog for getting the word out. Charlotte has been nothing but a blessing to our town thanks to all that donated to Today is a great day in Westbrook, Connecticut
First, many thanks to Dan & Frank for making this happen. Charlotte is so special and a gift to the town. This is the holiday spirit come to life. It IS better to give than receive.
Today’s celebration of Charlotte was one of true joy! She is the face of Balducci’s as the most welcoming, caring checkout clerk ever. To Dan Frank, thank you for recognizing this little jewel that comes to work at age 93 because she loves the people she meets. And to Dan Woog, thank you for sending Dan’s message to all of us who are loyal 06880 followers. To Charlotte, may you enjoy the comments from all whose lives you’ve touched❤️
thank you for organize all this, she deserves it, she brightens up my day whenever i see her!
thank you to Dan for organizing this and thanks to all who participated! she is truly loved.
Such joy I hope she spends it on something she wants and needs.! She is a remarkable woman. I agree- no matter what your day is like, she lifts your spirit. Maybe Balduccis will give her a holiday ….$$$$.
That’s the ole Westport I know. People taking care of people,
For those who can not afford to shop at Balduccis, “Omar” at Stop and Shop is a super cashier as well.
I remember Charlotte as well from Hay Day and Balducci’s. However, I also remember her from when she worked at the Harborview Market in Black Rock when it was a grocery store. My grandmother shopped there back in the day. This is an incredible tribute to a most well-deserving woman. She epitomizes a person who has always taken pride in her work and brought a smile to her customers faces. Thank you, Charlotte!
This story and woman made my Christmas. I don’t know her but how wonderful is all this : her abd the donors and the singers!!
Really have admired this woman for many years. She makes
good words a tool of good works…
While we all thank Charlotte on her special day we also appreciate all the the staff
Thank you and all the best for 2025!
Peter