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Deloitte’s Annual IMPACT Day Transforms Carver Community Center!

Deloitte Volunteers Dedicate Time and Effort to Refurbish Carver Community Center

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and corporate responsibility, Deloitte's Stamford office marked another successful IMPACT Day on Friday, June 7. This annual tradition sees a dedicated team of Deloitte volunteers roll up their sleeves to refurbish and rejuvenate the Carver Community Center, a cornerstone of the Carver community.

This year, 60 enthusiastic volunteers, including former Carver board member Jude Alaba and longtime friend Heather Ziegler, joined hands to make a tangible difference. The day's activities were diverse and impactful, reflecting Deloitte's commitment to creating positive change in the communities they serve.

The tasks undertaken by the volunteers included:

- Cleaning and Organizing: Volunteers cleaned out closets and organized supplies and recreational equipment in the gymnasium, ensuring a tidy and efficient space for the community.

- Painting: The front entrance and lobby received a fresh coat of paint, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere of the community center.

- Power Washing: Outdoor benches were power washed, restoring them to their former glory and providing clean, pleasant seating areas.

- Weeding and Mulching: Volunteers weeded and mulched the area under the swing set, creating a safer and more attractive play area for children.

- Replacing Swings: Some swings were replaced, ensuring the equipment is safe and enjoyable for all users.

- Landscaping and Planting: The grounds were beautified with new landscaping, tree planting, and flower pruning, contributing to a more vibrant and inviting environment.

During the lunch break, Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin expressed heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers, emphasizing their profound impact on the community center and its patrons. "Their hard work transforms our space, and we're grateful to them for the gracious volunteering they do each year," Peterkin said.

Carver recently announced that we were awarded a prestigious Deloitte Foundation grant. This grant furthers our mission to enhance education programming and broaden career pathways for the future workforce. This generous grant significantly impacts our efforts to equip the next generation of diverse business leaders with the skills they need to succeed in an evolving job market.

Every year, the Deloitte team’s dedication and hard work prepare the Carver Community Center for its summer programming, ensuring it remains a vibrant, well-maintained, and welcoming space for all. This ongoing partnership highlights Deloitte's purpose: to make an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society.

Thank you, Deloitte, for your year-round commitment to collectively making an #ImpactThatMatters in the communities where your employees live and work!

Join Us for The Carver’s Annual Golf Classic!

Click on the image or the link below to go to the event registration/donation page.

The Carver's Annual Golf Classic is just around the corner, and we couldn't be more excited! Join us at the beautiful Shorehaven Golf Club on Monday, June 24th, for a day filled with golf, fun, and philanthropy.

Golf Classic Committee

Committee Co-Chairs: Bill Gallagher and Jay Hinton. Committee Members: Deirdre Cavanagh, Jon Adelman, Adam Hahn, Brad Jordan, Keith McLeod, Adam Sorensen, Griffin Thrush, Drew Seath, Oscar Villalonga, Jonathan Whitcomb

Limited Spots Available

There are only four more foursomes left to fill our event, reaching a total of 30 foursomes. Don't miss your chance to be part of this fantastic event. Gather your team and sign up today!

Sponsorship Opportunities

We are actively seeking more sponsors for the event. Openings are available for: Tee Hole Signs, Lunch Sponsorship, and the Dinner Sponsorship.

Silent Auction Highlights

  • Fine Wine

  • Golf Foursome at New Canaan Country Club

  • Golf Foursome at Pocasset Country Club (Cape Cod) and stay in a luxurious Cape Cod home near the course

  • 1 round for four people at Old Barnwell in Aiken, SC

  • 1 round for 4 people at Old Barnwell in Aiken, SC (or 1 round for 8) – Adam S

  • Golf Foursome at Woodway Country Club

  • Golf at Ekwanok Country Club, Manchester, Vermont

  • Josie and Tony's Restaurant - Dinner and Wine Pairing for 6

This event promises to be a memorable day of golfing and giving back. Your support is most welcome if you want to play, sponsor, and/or participate in our silent auction.

For more information and to register your foursome or sponsorship, please get in touch with our Director of Philanthropy, Nikki LaFaye, (203) 945-9665/mobile; nikki@the-carver.org

Let’s come together for a great cause and enjoy a fantastic day on the course!

See you on June 24th at Shorehaven Golf Club!

Empowering Future Innovators: Dr. Barnett’s Partnership with Technovation Girls Transforms Carver Students’ Lives

CMS girls won first place!

This past Saturday marked a transformative event for Carver students, thanks to the incredible efforts of Dr. Barnett, a dedicated Technovation Girls Ambassador. Dr. Barnett, through her organization Amazing Girls Science, collaborated with Technovation Girls to create an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impact on the young participants and their community.

Dr. Barnett’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Her outstanding work was highlighted in CBS TV's "Fulfilling the Dream" program, which aired during a Martin Luther King celebration. Furthermore, she has been honored by the Connecticut Technology Council with the Community Innovation & Leadership Award and received the inaugural AARP Purpose Prize for her exceptional efforts in promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education among girls.

As a Technovation Girls ambassador, Dr. Barnett secured funding to enhance the celebration with t-shirts, signage, and a professional photographer, ensuring the day was as memorable as possible. The Richard Whitcomb Gymnasium at The Carver Community Center was abuzz with excitement as teams from Norwalk’s elementary schools presented their innovative projects to a panel of judges.

The STEAM competition saw three official judges evaluating the projects. Concord Magnet School's team clinched First Place and a $100 prize with their cutting-edge app that showcased remarkable creativity and technical skills. Second Place and $50 went to the Fox Run Elementary School “Sunshine Girls.” The Third Place was a tie, with Kendal College and Career Academy and Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School both winning $25 for their innovative solutions.

Parents beamed with pride as they captured moments of their daughters presenting their apps, celebrating the culmination of weeks of hard work. These young technologists dedicated over 40 hours to their projects over at least 12 weeks, following a detailed curriculum that honed their technological, collaborative, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The experience was transformative not only for the girls but also for the adult volunteers who mentored and guided them, finding the journey equally enriching and gaining new perspectives.

Technovation Girls is more than a competition; it’s a global movement that has empowered 150,000 young women over the past 15 years to become technology entrepreneurs and community leaders. Many alumni, long after participating, credit the program for shaping their career paths and professional interests. Local Chapters and Clubs, led by experienced Technovation alumnae, play a crucial role in providing a supportive environment for these young innovators, fostering collaboration, and ensuring they have the resources to succeed.

The Carver Community Center is excited to continue its partnership with Technovation Girls, inspiring more young women to harness the power of technology for positive change. As these girls look to the future, they do so with confidence and the skills to build a better world, one innovative solution at a time. Together, we are shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Carver Receives Deloitte Foundation Grant to Bolster Education Programming and Expand Career Pathways

Carver is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a prestigious grant from The Deloitte Foundation. This grant furthers our mission to enhance education programming and broaden career pathways for the future workforce. This generous grant significantly impacts our efforts to equip the next generation of diverse business leaders with the skills they need to succeed in an evolving job market.

The Deloitte Foundation's local impact grant program focuses on driving transformative change at the intersection of education and equity. By preparing racially and ethnically diverse students and young women for business, accounting, and STEM careers, the Foundation aims to create a more inclusive and equitable future of work. For the third consecutive year, the Foundation has run this impactful program in select locations nationwide, and we are honored to be one of the recipients this year.

At Carver, we understand the importance of providing robust education programming that addresses the needs of a diverse student population. This grant will enable us to expand our initiatives, offering more resources, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experiences crucial for students navigating their educational and career journeys.

We are incredibly grateful to the Deloitte Foundation for its commitment to education and equity. This grant empowers us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students and, by extension, the broader community. Together, we can drive progress and create opportunities for all, ensuring that tomorrow's leaders reflect our society's rich diversity.

Thank you, Deloitte Foundation, for believing in our vision and supporting our mission. We look forward to the positive changes this grant will bring to Carver and to the promising futures it will help build.

Attention Carver Seniors and College Students: Connecticut Launches Pioneering Program to Expand Healthcare Access and Forgive Student Loans for Health Workers

As you contemplate your career choices, please know that Connecticut is taking a groundbreaking step to enhance healthcare in underserved communities while providing significant financial relief to healthcare workers burdened by student loans. The newly announced Connecticut Student Loan Repayment Program is set to transform the healthcare landscape by incentivizing eligible healthcare providers to serve in areas that need them the most.

This innovative program offers up to $50,000 in student loan repayments for healthcare professionals who commit to practicing full-time in underserved Connecticut communities for at least two years. For those opting to work part-time, the program provides up to $12,500 per year over two years, totaling $25,000. This substantial financial incentive applies to federal and private student loan debt, broadening the scope of eligible participants and enhancing the program's appeal.

The list of eligible healthcare professions is extensive, ensuring that a wide range of services can be provided to underserved areas. Healthcare jobs included in this new statewide initiative are:

  • MDs and DOs specializing in Family Practice, General Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and OB/GYN

  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including Certified Nurse Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, and Psychiatric Nurse Specialists

  • Physician Assistants

  • Registered Nurses

  • Dentists and Dental Hygienists

  • Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Core Behavioral Health Providers**, such as Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Substance Use Disorder Counselors

  • Pharmacists

This remarkable initiative is poised to recruit and retain new healthcare workers, alleviate the financial burdens of these vital professionals, and significantly reduce health disparities across Connecticut. It's a win-win for healthcare providers and residents alike.

Applications for the Connecticut Student Loan Repayment Program will open tomorrow, on Wednesday.

Don't Miss Out on the Best Summer Fun in Norwalk! Register Now for Carver's Exciting Programs

Summer is just around the corner, and that means it's time to start planning for an unforgettable experience for your kids! The Carver organization is proud to offer an incredible lineup of 13 summer programs for students in grades K through 9, ensuring a perfect blend of fun, learning, and personal growth.

From the ever-popular Carver Camp at the Carver Community Center to the exciting SoNo Camp in South Norwalk, Carver's programs are renowned for their affordability and exceptional quality. Designed for Norwalk students aged 5 to 13, these camps offer a well-rounded experience that caters to every child's interests and needs.

Prepare for an action-packed summer with field trips, wellness activities, recreational fun, swimming, and hands-on, project-based learning opportunities. Not only will your kids have a blast, but they'll also get a head start preparing for the 2024-2025 school year, ensuring a smooth transition into the new academic year.

But that's not all! Carver has something special for those transitioning to middle and high school. The transition programs for rising 6th and 9th graders are tailored to help students become familiar with their new schools, meet their teachers, and understand the academic expectations that lie ahead, making the transition seamless and exciting.

Don't let your kids miss out on the best summer fun in Norwalk! Spaces are limited, so act fast and register for Carver's summer programs today. Visit the online registration page here or call (the program managers are listed here) to secure your child's spot in these unforgettable summer adventures.

Get ready to create cherished memories, forge new friendships, and embark on a journey of discovery and personal growth. Let Carver be your gateway to an extraordinary summer experience!

Carver's 2024 Child of America Gala: A Magical Night Empowering Youth

2024 Child of America Gala Committee: L-R, Cara Kelly, Kasey Pinchin, Julie Bennett, Kellee Abdelwahab, Jennifer Ryan

The Carver 2024 Child of America Gala was an extraordinary evening that celebrated the power of philanthropy and the commitment to enriching the lives of children in Norwalk and beyond.

The gala exceeded its goal of $500,000, including two special gifts made in honor of Novelette’s 20th anniversary of leading The Carver, one for $50,000 and one for $20,000.

See photo Album 1 and Album 2 here on Facebook! See another set of photos here: Reception #1, Reception #2, Reception #3, Dinner #1, Dinner #2, Dinner #3 and Dinner #4.

This highly anticipated annual event, the cornerstone fundraiser for Carver's vital after-school, summer, and community programs, surpassed all expectations.

Novelette Peterkin, who celebrated her 20th anniversary as Carver’s CEO, and the 2024 Child of America honree, Dr. Darrick Hamilton.

The evening commenced with a lavish cocktail reception at Shorehaven Golf Club, where attendees mingled, enjoyed exquisite hors d'oeuvres, and listened to the melodies of the fabulous live band led by Carver alumna Gabi Pierre-Louise. Mayor Rilling welcomed the gathering of friends, setting the tone for a night of celebration and impact.

The main event unfolded in the club's elegantly appointed ballroom, where guests indulged in a sumptuous three-course dinner expertly prepared by the renowned culinary team. Throughout the night, distinguished guests, including Connecticut's Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, graced the stage, and inspiring videos and greetings from Carver's leadership shed light on the organization's invaluable work and profound impact on the lives of children and families in the community.

Mr. and Mrs. Phil Butterfield. Phil Butterfield is President of The Carver Board of Directors

The evening's honorees, Dr. Darrick Hamilton and Sound Control Technologies, embodied Carver's spirit of empowerment and community-building. Dr. Hamilton, the Henry Cohen Professor of Economics and Urban Policy at The New School and the founding director of the Institute on Race, Power, and Political Economy, has established himself as a prominent public intellectual, crafting groundbreaking policy proposals that address socioeconomic disparities.

Each a longtime Carver friend, advocate, and benefactor, Connecticut’s Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, Susan Wienberger, and Carol Bauer

Sound Control Technologies and the Neaderland family, recognized as the 2024 "Community Builder" Honoree, were celebrated for their commitment to supporting the local community and remarkable contributions to Carver's mission.

The 2024 Child of America Gala was a testament to the power of philanthropy and the commitment to providing opportunities for children to thrive.

By attending this prestigious event, guests enjoyed an evening of elegance and merriment and contributed to a noble cause shaping our youth's future.

The Carver extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and supported this magical night of celebration and impact.

Carver Extends Heartfelt Gratitude to Our 2024 Child of America Gala Sponsors

The 2024 Child of America Gala is already an incredible success, thanks to the generosity of our amazing sponsors. This signature annual event, held this Friday, May 17th, at the stunning Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk, is raising vital funds to support Carver's life-changing educational and wellness programs for local youth.

Carver would like to express our deepest gratitude to those who are making this unforgettable evening possible through their sponsorship:

  • Dalio Philanthropies - Presenting Sponsor

  • The Richard & Barbara Whitcomb Foundation - Presenting Sponsor

  • AfricaPlan Foundation

  • Kellee and Sam Abdelwahab

  • Wendy and Rich Baskin

  • Alexandra Baudouin

  • Deborah and Michael Brennan

  • Roz and Phil Butterfield

  • Fairfield County Bank

  • Joan Byrne

  • Per & Astrid Heidenrich Family Foundation

  • Inwha Huh & Robert Kim

  • Rod Johnson

  • Cara and Peter Kelly

  • Nuvance / Norwalk Hospital

  • The Oberman Companies

  • Patriot Bank

  • Kasey and Ben Pinchin

  • Jennifer and Andrew Ryan

  • Kim and Drew Seath

  • Brooke and Adam Sorensen

  • Sound Control Technologies

  • Terrie and Jay Wood

Thank you, sponsors, for believing in Carver's mission and playing a vital role in creating brighter futures for our youth. Your support is transformative!

Celebrating Sound Control Technologies and the Neaderland Family: Carver's Community Builder Honorees

Sound Control Technologies and the Neaderland family will be honored as the "Community Builder" honorees at the Child of America Gala tomorrow evening for their community spirit and corporate social responsibility. This recognition celebrates their commitment to supporting the local community and their remarkable contributions to Carver's mission.

The Child of America Gala is a cherished event recognizing individuals and organizations who have contributed exceptionally to fostering a more equitable and inclusive society. By honoring Sound Control Technologies and the Neaderland family, Carver acknowledges their exceptional efforts in creating positive change and inspiring others to pursue a better tomorrow.

Sound Control Technologies and the Neaderland family join a distinguished list of past Community Builder award recipients, including renowned organizations such as Datto, Pitney Bowes, Affinion Group, GE, Stew Leonard's, Norwalk Hospital, Bank of America, Deloitte, Pepperidge Farm, and Ring's End. These esteemed honorees have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility and have played pivotal roles in advancing Carver's mission.

Through their tireless efforts and dedication, Sound Control Technologies and the Neaderland family have contributed to the success of Carver's programs and served as beacons of inspiration for others to follow. Their commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society has been remarkable, and their impact extends far beyond the boundaries of their organizations.

As we celebrate this well-deserved recognition, we are reminded of the power of collective action and the profound impact that individuals and organizations can have when they come together with a shared vision of creating positive change. Sound Control Technologies and the Neaderland family embody the values of compassion, inclusivity, and community service, and their contributions will continue to shape the lives of countless individuals for years to come.

Carver extends its heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to Sound Control Technologies and the Neaderland family for their exceptional commitment to corporate social responsibility and their unwavering dedication to creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Their efforts serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of collective action and the importance of working together to build a better future for all.