2024 Norwalk Mayor’s ball supports poverty fighters
NORWALK — The 2024 Mayor’s Ball will benefit two local nonprofits focused on ending the cycle of poverty: Person to Person and Norwalk Housing Foundation.
“Person to Person provides those in need with critical resources such as food and emergency assistance to help them get on a path towards achieving economic security,” said Mayor Harry Rilling in a statement. “The Norwalk Housing Foundation provides scholarships and other educational services to youth living in affordable housing, helping them gain the tools to increase their employment opportunities and attain long-term economic security. I hope the community will join us for this wonderful event in support of these remarkable organizations.”
Established in 1993, the Mayor’s Ball is an annual nonpartisan event that brings Norwalkers together to raise funds for local organizations. This year’s ball will be on May 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Serafresca at the Italian Center on 1620 Newfield Ave. in Stamford.
Tickets are $200, and reservations can be made for tables of 10 at norwalkct.gov/mayorsball.
Serving 28,000 residents in Fairfield County, Person to Person provides food pantries, a clothing center, caseworker assistance, a financial opportunity center, emergency financial assistance, college scholarships, and summer “camperships.”
“We’re truly honored to be chosen as one of this year’s Mayor’s Ball recipients,” said Nancy Coughlin, CEO of Person to Person. “Person to Person is dedicated to transforming lives by providing essential resources to help families and individuals navigate the challenges they face and move towards economic stability. This recognition reaffirms the importance of our work, and we’re excited to continue making a difference in our community.”
Associated with the Norwalk Housing Authority, the Norwalk Housing Foundation has provided scholarships and other educational services for students since 1998.
“We view education as the catalyst for profound life changes, and within NHA we have sought to empower those transformations at all stages of life,” said Adam Bovilsky, executive director of Norwalk Housing Authority and the Norwalk Housing Foundation. “Through the College Scholarship Program, we witness education’s impact firsthand as our students have embarked on remarkable journeys in accounting, healthcare, science, medicine, and other careers.
“In the past 25 years, we’ve disbursed over $3.4 million in scholarships to Norwalk Housing students, a testament to our dedication to their prospects growing along with the Program,” Bovilsky said. “And with graduation rates surpassing the national average for 4year schools, the financial support we receive is driving truly superior outcomes.”
The funds raised through the Mayor’s Ball will help the Norwalk Housing Foundation to continue to support Norwalk students.
“We are honored to be selected by Mayor Rilling and his Mayor’s Ball Committee,” Bovilsky said. “It is truly a testament to the Mayor’s commitment to providing necessary tools to our public housing families so they can break free from the cycle of poverty.”