By Sydney Floch
Everyone at River House Adult Day Center in Cos Cob is gearing up for a unique fundraiser.
On June 7, board member Jeff McCarthy will camp out in front of River House with his dog Teddy, and remain until he raises $100,000 for the non-profit’s compassionate care program for aging adults.
Camille Laginestra visits River House Adult Day Center to provide hair cuts, blowouts and shaves. May 21, 2025 Photo Sydney Floch
According to Amy Bickham, River House’s marketing and admin associate, the 501(c) (3) nonprofit, holds numerous fundraising events throughout the year, but the “camping” effort is ambitious.
The River House is the only accredited medical model adult day care in Greenwich. The center has a nurse and five aides on staff, as well as volunteers to help with any health or sanitary related needs. Bickham said that River House offers bathing services if requested by the client’s family as well as grooming services.
On Wednesday Camille Laginestra made her weekly visit to provide hair cuts, blowouts and shaves, services that are supported through federal funding.
Bickham said the center is always looking for volunteers, including kids and high school students who can earn community service hours.
River House includes transportation in its fees, with two buses that pick up clients in Greenwich and Stamford at the beginning and end of each weekday. Bickham said that people come from all over Fairfield County and Westchester County to attend the center.
Meals including breakfast, lunch and a snack at the end of the day are also provided. The cost for someone to attend the River House per day is $120.
According to the River House 2024 annual report, 32% of revenue came from public grants and 38% came from private grants. Bickham said that the River House has already had two fundraising events this year including a holiday cocktail party in January and a pickleball tournament in April.
However, according to last year’s report, fundraising made up 10% of the annual revenue.
The goal this year, according to Bickham, is to raise more money and awareness for the River House. She said that growing up in Greenwich, she was familiar with the building, but never knew of its impact.
The adult day center will host events on June 7 to support McCarthy and his endeavors hosting a Zumba class, Touch a Truck, an ice cream truck and a petting zoo to attract community support and donations.
As for McCarthy’s upcoming camp out, executive director Dee Hernandez said the effort symbolized the heart and determination that drives River House’s mission.