Westport Domestic Violence Task Force Collects $3,250 for Local Survivors after Gift Card Drive
Press ReleaseThe Westport Domestic Violence Task Force is pleased to announce a successful end to its holiday gift card drive. From Tuesday, December 6th through Tuesday, December 13th, we collected gift cards to benefit Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) safehouse and community clients.
At the conclusion of the drive, the Task Force collected $3,250 in gift cards to local department, specialty, and grocery stores. The gift cards allow survivors to purchase what they most need or want for their families this holiday season.
The Westport Domestic Violence Task Force was once again overwhelmed and grateful for the generosity of our Westport community. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all who donated, to our local press who publicized the drive, and for your continued support.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, help can be reached via the 24 hour hotline, 1-888-774-2900 and additional information can be found on the DVCC website, www.dvccct.org
Westport Girl's Night Out Raises Thousands To Help Keep People Warm This Winter
Julie Whamond is a long-time Westport resident who hosts an annual "Girl's Nite Out" for friends. This year, Julie contacted Elaine Allen Daignault, Town Director of Human Services to see if the Warm-Up Fund could use an extra boost post-COVID and whether the party could serve a dual purpose. As you may know, Human Services relies on community donations to provide emergency financial assistance to residents in need. This winter season will be challenging with the increasing fuel and electricity prices.
Julie and her friends raised $4,310 for Warm-Up by doing what they do best – celebrating their friendships and dancing the night away, which they did Wednesday night in style at Christ & Holy Trinity Church's Branson Hall. Said Daignault, "We are so grateful for the support and appreciate that CH&T allowed use of the space. The funds raised will change the lives of local families this winter. This event was a shining example of Westport's spirit of community. It's a magical time of year, and Westport Human Services is so grateful and appreciative of our Town and its people!" Julie was joined by First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore who joined right in celebrating the evening.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Town Of Westport Press Release: Westport Warm-Up Program Seeks Donations
The Westport Warm-Up fund, a community-supported initiative managed by the Town of Westport's Department of Human Services, helps income-qualified households with home heating expenses through the cold winter months.
Human Services Director Elaine Daignault says, "The rising costs of food, housing, and fuel will make this season the most financially burdensome winter in history. Those with limited financial means will require more help to heat their homes this year." The Warm-Up Fund relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community service organizations for support. 100% of all donations help income-eligible residents warm their homes during winter. "Unfortunately, we have already experienced increased financial assistance requests for home heating expenses this season. Electricity, oil, and gas costs have doubled, requiring supplemental assistance to meet household necessities." Human Services anticipates a high demand for Warm-up funds this winter due to the critical need for emergency heating assistance. Daignault continued, "The community's generosity will make a significant difference in keeping seniors and families warm in this unprecedented time of need."
Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Westport Warm-Up Fund and other Human Services Programs at www.westportct.gov/donate or by mail to Westport Warm-Up Fund, Department of Human Services, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport CT 06880
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport Collective Artists Host Annual 12 x 12 Art Show At The Playhouse
The weather, attendance, and sales, were all brisk last night at the Artists Collective of Westport’s fifth Annual 12 x 12 exhibit in the Sheffer Studio at the Westport Playhouse.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Local musician Warren Bloom entertained the crowd on guitar, while they enjoyed the art, wine and refreshments. The show will be open today, Thursday, from 2 to 3pm, and 2 to 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 100 affordable works of art by 100 artists in various media, and all 12” x 12” perfect holiday gifts. Ten pieces sold quickly, but many more great ones remain.
Work by the artists may be viewed at www.artistscollectiveofwestport.org. Select ARTISTS from the menu bar.
For purchase information call or text Miggs Burroughs at 203-984-3179.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 38. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. Northwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. North wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tomorrow
A 40 percent chance of rain after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 43. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. East wind 7 to 11 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Rain. Steady temperature around 39. Breezy, with an east wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.