The First Congregational Church of Greenwich hosted its annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale gift awards celebration on Sunday, February 22, and awarded its largest gift total in the 59-year history of the sale.
Anders Ekernas, of Call A Ride; Ginny Chaney of The Undies Project: Julie Faryniarz, Executive Director Greenwich Alliance for Education; Cathy de Graff, co-president of Mothers for Others; David Rabin, CEO of Greenwich United Way; Lauren Ghaffari, Pam Speer, Kate Collins, co-chairs of the event.
Seven local, non-profit organizations focused on Greenwich and Stamford children and families were given gifts totaling $60,014 from the proceeds of the annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale. Gifts of $7500 were given to Greenwich Alliance for Education, Mothers for Others, Pacific House Young Adults Program, The Undies Project, Greenwich United Way, The YWCA Harmony Project. In addition, proceeds from the sale will fully fund a monthly hot meal at New Covenant Center for one year and will support Call-A-Ride.
Since the launch of the Christmas Tree Sale in 1966, gifts from the proceeds have totaled an estimated $943,354.
The Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale has been held annually since 1966 and has grown into a community event staffed with volunteers of all ages, including church members, ambassadors from the benefiting charities and students from Greenwich public and independent schools. Pam Speer, co-chair of the tree sale, commended over 100 local volunteers for dedicating 282 volunteer hours to the sale.
“First Church is grateful and proud of the support and generosity of our shoppers and volunteers. We are honored to in turn support these wonderful agencies who are working hard in our community to help children and families most in need,” aid Kate Collins, co-chair.
First Congregational Church of Greenwich (FCCOG) was established in 1665 and declares itself open and affirming to all for participation, membership, leadership and employment. The church’s mission is to proclaim the gospel to all people and to work for the promotion of justice, the reign of peace, and the search for human understanding in all our relationships. The FCCOG historical building features a bell tower with 12 copper and block tin bells, various cornerstones dating back to 1895, and stained-glass windows that date back to 1896. www.fccog.org