MONROE, CT — Guests attending the First Selectman Rooney Foundation’s fundraising gala at Testo’s restaurant, 505 Main St., on Dec. 14 donated over 300 unwrapped toys to families The Center for Family Justice serves, lifting the spirits of children impacted by domestic and sexual violence during the holidays.
“Over 300 children received support from this coordinated and heartwarming initiative, creating holiday wishes for kids that otherwise might not have had gifts for this holiday season,” Debra A. Greenwood, president and CEO of The Center for Family Justice (CFJ), said Thursday. “We are so grateful for those who contributed and supported the Terry Rooney Gala by bringing a toy.”
Greenwood said the center also benefited from toys collected by the Monroe Police Department during its drive at the town gazebo on Dec. 15. She thanked police for their service and support in coordinating the effort for CFJ’s youngest clients.
This year, CFJ offered free and confidential services to over 5,300 individuals in the six municipalities it serves, who were affected by domestic violence, sexual violence and child abuse — a 25 percent increase from the previous year, according to Greenwood.
Those in need of CFJ’s assistance should visit its website by clicking here.
A new nonprofit
First Selectman Terry Rooney established his foundation to give back to the Monroe community and the gala helped launch the new organization, raising close to $15,000 in proceeds.
“Having deep appreciation for our people and Monroe I noticed areas where this foundation could help,” Rooney said Thursday. “The beautiful thing about being first selectman is helping people who really need it. However, there are ways I felt I could do more with the creation of the First Selectman Rooney Foundation. Having been involved in nonprofits for over two decades, I saw how one organization was able to help people in New Haven, and since then it’s been a calling.”
“The collective goal of this nonprofit is to help our neighbors as much as we can when they may be down on their luck or have nowhere to turn,” he said. “As we know we won’t be able to meet all requests, however everyone involved is determined to make a positive impact and as a committee will collectively decide how the financial help is distributed. We all hope to make a significant impact as this foundation builds momentum.”
Overwhelming support
Rooney said he was overwhelmed by the generosity of people and businesses, who participated in his nonprofit’s first fundraising event. “We only had room for 220 people and within a week it was at capacity,” he said.
In addition to donations, a number of businesses paid for advertisements in the event booklet.
“All of us are so thankful to those who sponsored, donated or submitted an advertisement,” Rooney said. “It was amazing to see a truck full of toys given to The Center for Family Justice, as they do so much for the people of Monroe.”
Sponsors included Robin Hood Adjusters Gold Coast Properties, which was a gold sponsor, and silver sponsors BTX Global Logistics of Shelton, the law firm of Goldman Gruder & Woods LLC, Market Hospitality Group, Service One, Marketplace Square, Vazzy’s Osteria and Sulik Landscaping.
Other generous donors and/or ad sponsors included Last Drop Coffee Shop, Meat Me Premium Steaks, Benedict’s Home and Garden, the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department, 111 Elite Firearms, Sippin Energy Products, Smart Care Exteriors and DK Designs.
Lending a helping hand
The First Selectman Rooney Foundation’s mission statement reads:
The mission of the First Selectman Rooney Foundation is to furnish funds to help those who need a helping hand in our Monroe community. As this foundation is determined to define where it can make the most positive impact, the objective is to identify monetary needs in Monroe through contact with town organizations and our citizens.
To make this a success, all our members are committed to identify and uncover the needs in town. As we move forward and significantly grow this foundation, our goal is to make perpetual impact in the lives of our neighbors who need help now and in the future.
The First Selectman Rooney Foundation’s Board of Directors includes President Terry Rooney, Vice President Felicia Cooper, Treasurer Robert Westlund, Gil Rosamondo, Nicole Rizzitelli, Amanda Riesinger, Carly Sulik and Frank Lieto.
The organizational and fundraising committee consists of Dona-Lyn Wales, Maritta Pivetta and Michele Galindo.
Organizations seeking assistance can send an email to [email protected]. Foundation members will review requests and make decisions by committee. Those wishing to make a donation to the First Selectman Terry Rooney Foundation can click here.
