One Man, One Dog, One Big Goal: Jeff McCarthy’s $100,000 Camp Out for River House

By Miller Fishback

On Sunday Jeff McCarthy and his dog, Teddy, geared up for a fundraising expedition like no other: they are camping outside of the River House Adult Day Center and plan to stay on the property until $100,000 is raised for the River House and its initiatives.

“The whole premise is… I can’t leave,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy’s wife JoAnn is the president of the River House Board of Directors. When thinking of ways to promote the non profit, the couple decided Jeff would take on this challenge, prevailing through any weather that may arise–including heavy rain this past Saturday.

“We wanted to think of a creative, fun, and innovative idea,” Jeff said on Sunday. “We discussed doing a car wash, but I thought, nah, that doesn’t raise any money.”

The River House Adult Day Center is a place where aging adults can socialize and receive support and care from professional staff. They provide specialized therapeutic recreation, daily programming, and many socialization opportunities.

The non-profit operates out of a historic former pump house in Cos Cob on the banks of the Mianus River. Once a mechanical station, the building was repurposed and reopened by the Town of Greenwich in 2008 as the River House Adult Day Center. River House leases the building from the town for a dollar, but is responsible for its upkeep and maintenance.

The transformation has both preserved its historic structure and given it new life as a hub where aging adults can thrive.

The $100,000 Mr. McCarthy raises will be used 100% toward River House’s recreational programs and client services.

Services range from haircuts to games and exercise, as well as field trips to the library and museums. In addition funds will help offset the monthly or weekly fee to attend River House, making it even more accessible for families across Greenwich, Stamford, and other neighboring towns.

While the money raised is essential to McCarthy’s goal, he noted that “the value proposition is awareness.”

“If you went to Tod’s Point and asked 100 people if they knew about River House, it’s likely that at least 90 would say no,” McCarthy said. “It’s exposure through thrilling and fun events like this that we can maximize exposure about River House and the incredible opportunities it offers for families across the town.”

Ultimately, McCarthy said he’d prefer 20,000 people giving $5, to 10 people each donating $5,000.

By Sunday, June 8, McCarthy said he was already 60% of the way toward his goal of $100,000. He encouraged more people to come by and get out of the car to tour River House and see the spectacular views of the river.

Sunday’s event felt like a party, at the center of which was McCarthy, Teddy and their shared tent. The sun was out and there was an ice cream truck and a performance from local jazz band Kinematics.

Other local non-profits showcased their efforts, including Adopt-A-Dog, based just over the state line in Armonk, NY. Volunteers brought Lola and Kacey, two perfect dogs available for adoption. Kacey is 5-1/2 months old and Lola is two years old.

Round Hill Fire Department was on site with a truck for children to explore.

Kelley’s Kids Petting Zoo provided opportunities for children to meet and pet ducks and goats.

Donations for River House can be made online. Those interested are encouraged to schedule a tour at any point during the week.

As Mr. McCarthy continues his camp out on the River House lawn, his message remains strong: Raising awareness and garnering support for aging adults in our community is a necessary mission worth enduring any storm.

Whether you stop by to take a tour, donate a few dollars, or just say hello, you’re helping to build a stronger, more social community for our seniors.

For Jeff and Teddy, that’s a goal worth staying outside for!