The amazing Rivera Memorial Dance/Cheer Squad got us geared up for GIVING!
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
“Celebrate! Good Times Come On!” — Lionel Richie
There is something in the air — something hopeful, kind, and spirited!
On Thursday, April 24 dozens of nonprofit leaders and staff, donors, sponsors, and community members from Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills gathered to energize, encourage each other, and get geared up for Give Local 2025. Give Local is a 36-hour-long online fundraising give-a-thon hosted by Connecticut Community Foundation and presenting sponsor ION Bank Foundation, and supported by many others.
The party atmosphere was upbeat. The mood was excited and hopeful. And the mutual affection among all of those in attendance was warm and genuine! If you are one who feels that we are living through uncertain times, we can attest that there are many, many rays of light shining brightly in our community. Foundation President and CEO Kathy Taylor reminded us “Right now, across Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills, nonprofits are doing some of the most difficult, important, essential and sometimes invisible work. They are standing in the gaps—where systems fall short, where government funding is threatened, where people need help, and where hope is often restored.” While the work is not easy, they are powered by the real joy and satisfaction of knowing that they are doing something for the benefit of others. This spirit was reflected in the comments by Kathy Bower, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, by our emcee and trustee James Higgins, by Kathy Brochhausen of ION Bank Foundation, our presenting sponsor, and by our video host Ray Hardman who presented the first prizes to nonprofits to kick-off the fundraising fun.
We were already cheerful when the amazing Rivera Memorial Dance/ Cheer Squad took the floor and raised our motivation and Give Local team spirit even higher! Thanks to those talented young ladies and their team leaders.
Kathy Taylor, Foundation President and CEO with David Rotatori, President and CEO of ION Bank
We at the Foundation are inspired and uplifted by the dedicated individuals who selflessly serve the community and make a difference every day. We also want to say thanks to those in the local press who helped us to spread the word about Give Local. It was lovely to talk with Renee Dinino of the WFSB “Hello, Connecticut” podcast, with Dale Jones of WZBG in Litchfield, and with Nancy Sasso Janis of WATR Waterbury.
And then there is the beautiful town of New Milford. Thanks to the leadership of community leader Jeff Kilberg, New Milford has traditionally organized an annual rally at the launch of each Give Local. This year was no different – with town residents gathering on a bright April morning to boost support for nonprofits in the area and to hear Mayor Pete Bass proclaim this day of giving to honor the nonprofit leaders that bring so much care and vibrancy to the town. New Milford joined Southbury, Waterbury and U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes in making similar proclamations honoring the efforts of those in our region who serve and those who support.
With all this generous exuberance, we hope that you, too, will be inspired to make a gift to your community that helps your neighbors to thrive.
Visit GiveLocalCCF.org before 7:00 p.m. on April 30. Choose your favorite nonprofit organizations and make an online gift. It’s quick and easy, and your donation may help qualify your nonprofit for matching gifts and prize funds.
Then feel good and CELEBRATE! Cheers to YOU and YOUR kind generosity! You make a difference in your community and it matters more than you know. Thank you for giving local!
