Community Connections
Shining a local light on:
Rotary Club of Ridgefield
Proudly serving:
Learn more about their charity:
Community Connections
Community Connections shines a light on local charities whose compassion, service, and dedication strengthen the fabric of our community. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire others and help the spirit of giving spread throughout our towns.
Under the spotlight today: Rotary Club of Ridgefield
An interview with Deborah Franceschini, Rotary Club of Ridgefield
How do you brighten our community?
The Ridgefield Rotary Club was chartered by Rotary International in 1941 and has been serving the community continuously since that date. Recognized as one of the town's most fundamental institutions, the Club's efforts have resulted in over a million dollars in donations to local organizations.
Who do you serve in our community?
The Club provides annual community grants to local nonprofits and organizations, using funds raised through signature events including the Taste of Ridgefield, RRRESTAFFLE, Citizen of the Year, and Fly the Colors. Grant recipients are selected by a committee of Rotarians after a written application process.
Past and current grant recipients include (partial list):
• Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield
• RVNAhealth (Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association)
• Ridgefield Social Services / Food Pantry
• ACT Theatre (A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut)
• Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center
• The Center (Danbury)
• League of Women Voters — Ridgefield Votes youth voter outreach program
• We Will Ride Therapeutic Riding
• OWLS (Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors)
• Ridgefield Theater Barn
• Graham Dickinson Skate Park Memorial Fund
• Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield
• ...and many additional local organizations each grant cycle
What are you most proud of?
Citizen of the Year
• Annual recognition of an outstanding Ridgefield community member who exemplifies the Rotary motto: Service Above Self.
Event held at Silver Spring Country Club; proceeds support the RHS Scholarship and community grants.
What was the spark that started your organization?
What is one of your future impact goals?
How did you change a life?
Who are your community partners?
Local-Insta thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Community Connections series possible!
Celebrating the charities that make our community stronger.
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