Westport is filled with people who give back. We know and celebrate some family names: Mitchell, Gault, Tauck.
Others do it quietly, year after year. They seldom receive recognition.
For more than 4 decades, Bill Evans has been a quiet pillar of our community.
A Westport resident for over 40 years, he is best known locally as the founder in 1981 of WM Evans Painting. He’s earned praise and respect for the work he does with homes and businesses.
Bill Evans
But beyond his profession, Bill has dedicated himself to humanitarian work. He has touched countless lives, far beyond Fairfield County.
Since 2008 he has been president of Connecticut Quest for Peace. The nonprofit supports vulnerable communities, locally and internationally.
Bill has always preferred action over attention. The organization grew through word of mouth, powered by volunteers, generosity and trust.
Now, as he transitions more of his time and energy toward this mission, it’s time to spread the word. More people in Westport should know this work exists, and that it makes a life-changing difference.
Connecticut Quest for Peace focuses on humanitarian support, education and long-term sustainability. Its work spans local outreach (in places like Bridgeport), and national (Appalachia) and international aid (Nicaragua and Paraguay).
Offering reduced price — or free — clothes in Bridgeport.
Their efforts include:
- Education initiatives and scholarships
- Healthcare access and medical support
- School food programs
- Community pharmacies
- Distribution of essential supplies and humanitarian aid
Rather than short-term relief alone, the organization prioritizes programs that empower communities and create lasting change.
CT Quest for Peace works closely with area organizations like the National Charity League, Staples Service League of Boys, BuildOn, the Coleytown Middle School Foreign Language Department, and many others.
Among its successes, Bill and the organization have provided ongoing aid and support for Bridgeport residents and families through a community closet.
It is open Saturdays and Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seasonal clothing items are sold at affordable prices, or at no cost to those most in need. All proceeds support the funding and shipment of containers to Latin America.
So far, more than 60 shipments have been made. Internationally, over a million pieces of clothing have been distributed.
Shipment to Paraguay.
CT Quest for Peace has also provided educational support for more than 50 college students, and worked with healthcare services, food programs and community pharmacies, serving thousands.
Those numbers, the organization says, are more than statistics. They represent dignity, opportunity, and stability for families who need it most.
Individual stories stand out. A student in rural Nicaragua who received a scholarship studied agronomy. He graduated, and returned home to give back.
Today he volunteers in local schools, teaching children how to grow food using organic, closed-loop farming techniques with natural fertilizers.
Each grade maintains its own garden. Families gain access to sustainable food sources. Children learn skills that last a lifetime.
CT Quest for Peace impacts countless lives.
Westporters can help Bill, and CT Quest for Peace. Most-needed items include clothing, and medical equipment (walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, diabetic supplies). Click here for a full list.
Donations may be left any time at Bill’s garage (11 Westfair Drive), or Saturdays and Mondays (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the warehouse (394 Main Street, Bridgeport). Pick-up is available for larger donations.
Individuals and businesses can help too, by donating materials, volunteering to help pack shipments, or contributing financially to scholarships and school food programs. Checks can be sent to Connecticut Quest for Peace, PO Box 356, Georgetown, CT 06829.
Bill is happy to chat with anyone about the mission, and how Westporters can help. He hopes you’ll call: 203-216-2115.
(To learn more about CT Quest for Peace, click here. Hat tip: Eric Urena)
Thank you for recognizing this extraordinary individual and his commitment to healing the world.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes
Bill’s generosity of spirit is an inspiration. This article prompted me to consider that if I can volunteer or donate just a tiny bit more than I do today, there are people like Bill who will aggregate across the community and turn it into a larger collective impact.