Months of planning, promotion, and fundraising culminated in a Glen Rock community event that raised nearly $5,000 for the Center for Family Support and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities we support.
Four Glen Rock High School students – Chloe Ivers, Shriya Kantharia, Mia Benyamin, and Gianna Prestigiacomo – wanted to spend their summers heading into Junior year making a difference in the lives of people who often are overlooked in their community. They considered many options, including starting their own non-profit, before reaching out to the Center for Family Support looking for ways they could help fundraise for the organization.
“After researching different non-profit organizations, we chose CFS because we truly believe in helping their mission to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our main goals were to directly help people and make a difference. By working with CFS, we were able to achieve those goals. This fundraiser gave us the opportunity to make an impact on not only the individuals CFS supports, but on the Glen Rock community as well”, said Chloe.
Together, the students and CFS staff worked to host Glen Rock Gives Hope at the Glen Rock Athletic Club on September 17. “We started planning this event around April of 2023 with little to no idea of how to raise funds. Throughout the summer we dedicated our time and effort into the planning process, making sure the fundraiser would be a success”, said Gigi.
The Glen Rock community – including many family and friends – came out to help uplift those supported by CFS, enjoy food from Francesca’s, and hear music from local band ODE. “Observing all the attendees reinforced the realization that our shared goal of making a difference was truly taking shape. It’s hard to put into words what it meant to have everyone’s support and see everyone there,” said Mia.
The contributions raised by the students at the event will make unique opportunities and programs possible for those living in CFS residences or participating in CFS day programs nearby. These funds are crucial to help CFS deliver on its mission to provide individualized, person-centered support to each individual we work with. “It’s truly fulfilling to know what it means to know we made a significant and lasting difference in the lives of those supported by CFS. These funds enable us to not only provide lasting support, but also allow us to help form a brighter future filled with opportunities and hope for every individual that CFS supports. Everyone’s generosity was the driving force behind our mission’s success, and we are immensely grateful for everyone’s support,” said Shriya.
