New Canaan's community spirit will shine brightly at the New Canaan Community Foundation Volunteer Awards ceremony on Thursday, October 19th, in the Town Hall Meeting Room. RSVP HERE!

Among the esteemed honorees will be Avery Cotton, a remarkable student volunteer and dedicated birding program teacher to Carver after-school students.

Avery Cotton's unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional after-school birding program has inspired a love for nature in the hearts of young students.

“Volunteering with The Carver has been extremely meaningful to me. I'm glad to have helped open Carver students' eyes to the wonders of nature around them,” Avery shared.

New Canaan is a giving community, and the New Canaan Community Foundation’s Volunteer Recognition Awards acknowledge the hometown heroes who make it so.

Avery Cotton will receive the Youth-MVP award. With an infectious passion for avian life, Avery Cotton has gone above and beyond to instill a sense of environmental consciousness and appreciation for wildlife in the next generation. Under his guidance, the after-school birding program has flourished, drawing in students eager to discover the world of birds.

The ceremony will celebrate the selfless dedication of numerous individuals like Cotton, whose devotion to their community has created positive change. The reception at Pesca will be filled with heartfelt conversations and an air of pride as community members congratulate Cotton and the other honorees for their exceptional contributions to the community.

As we reflect on the evening's festivities, it's impossible not to be inspired by the incredible work of Avery Cotton and the other awardees, each embodying the spirit of service and commitment that makes New Canaan an extraordinary place. Their actions remind us that gestures of kindness and dedication can create a ripple effect that transforms our communities for the better. Congratulations to Avery Cotton and all the other honorees for their well-deserved recognition.