(L-R) The Norwalk Connections Committee: Nikki LaFaye, Carver Director of Philanthropy Erin Foley, Connections Party host Elizabeth Sosnow, Lilly Knight, Gina Ely, Amy Benedict, and Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin
Nearly 70 friends and supporters gathered yesterday evening for a special Carver Connections Party graciously hosted by Elizabeth (a member of the Carver Board of Directors) and Peter Sosnow, creating an evening filled with conversation, inspiration, and shared commitment to the future of Carver students.
We are especially grateful to the dedicated Connections Committee — Amy Benedict, Gina Ely, Erin Foley, and Lilly Knight — for their enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment to bringing friends and supporters together in support of Carver students and families.
The gathering gave guests a chance to learn more about Carver’s expanding work serving more than 3,300 K–12 students each year through before-school, after-school, summer, and future readiness programs across the community.
Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin shared reflections on the organization’s mission and growing impact, highlighting Carver’s commitment to helping students build academic strength, confidence, and leadership skills, and to providing pathways to college and careers.
(L-R) Amy Benedict (Connections Committee Member) and Keiley Fuller.
Guests also heard powerful remarks from Carver alumna and member of the Carver Board of Directors, Diaghilev Lubin-Farnell, Connecticut Assistant Attorney General, whose personal story reflected the life-changing influence that caring mentors, educational opportunity, and community support can have on a young person’s future.
Carver Board President Phil Butterfield spoke about the importance of investing in young people and sustaining programs that help students thrive during critical transition years.
A special focus of the evening was Carver’s Scholars Program, which provides year-long support for 5th-grade students as they prepare for the transition to middle school — a pivotal period when many students can otherwise experience academic and social setbacks without strong guidance and encouragement.
The evening also raised important funds that will help Carver expand opportunities for more students and families in the years ahead.
Most importantly, the gathering reflected something that has always been central to Carver’s mission: the power of relationships, community, and people coming together on behalf of young people. Friends old and new shared stories, made connections, and strengthened a collective commitment to helping students realize their fullest promise.
Carver extends heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth and Peter Sosnow for opening their home and to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the evening such a meaningful success.
