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OUR DONOR COMMUNITY Our patrons and donors are truly the angels that keep our services available. In this new section, we plan to feature many of those angels whose generosity helps to fund services that are so critical to families who are in the fight of their lives. Please check back often to read who is supporting Ann’s Place and why. Meanwhile, please click on Ways to Give, Community Grants and our Annual Donor Report to learn more about how you can become part of our Donor Community. Spring Spotlight: Dody Flynn  Dody Flynn, on right, owner of Dance Dimensions in Brookfield, presents a check to Susan Neikirk, Ann’s Place staff member. In lieu of 2007 holiday gifts, Dody and her staff asked dance parents/patrons for donations to a charity of their choice. Several families at the studio told them that they, or family members or friends, use Ann’s Place and have had wonderful experiences here. They brought in well over $1,500 in a few short weeks. Special Thanks to Dody and all your patrons! Your gifts will help families with children. Running for Debbie: A Letter from her friend Bonnie Lees 
“After a joyful holiday season, surrounded by loved ones, we often use the New Year as a time to reflect - on all that we have gained and all that we have lost in the past year, and how we might make the New Year better than the last. This year I have the desire to help support Ann's Place, an organization which helps people who are diagnosed with cancer, and their families. Ann's Place provides support and comfort to those in a time of crisis when nothing makes sense. They are a touch stone these families can rely on. On February 18, 2006, we lost a dear colleague and I lost a close Friend to cancer, Debbie Saglimbene. To honor her and all those that we know who have passed away from cancer, I am going to run 18 miles on Feb 17, 2008, to raise money for Ann's Place. My support team is you. I will start at my home in New Fairfield and run throughout New Fairfield, Danbury, Bethel, and Redding and back to Danbury. I have not been able to train much this year, so this will be a big challenge for me, but not equal to the challenge those whose lives have been touched by cancer face. The weather is going to be unpredictable, with winter about us it may snow, rain, or drop below freezing; but I can do it with you backing me. How you can help is to sponsor me each mile with a donation to Ann's Place and your prayers for all those who suffer with cancer. You are welcome to join me any part of my run. My journey will end at Best Realty where we can the celebrate life. Please make a check out to Ann’s Place and mail the name of the person you want me to run in memory of and pray for during the 18 miles. Be a part of my team. Help comfort and support people living with cancer. Replace the fear with courage. As Debbie would say, Life is Good. God’s Blessing - - - Bonnie Lees ” Update: Bonnie raised more than $1,525 for our cancer patients. Click here to see Bonnie complete her 18 miles on February 17th. Thanks, Bonnie! View a short video - click here.
COMMUNITY SERVICE HEROESRocco's Hair Salon Donates Proceeds to Ann's Place
Members of our clinical staff gathered at Rocco’s shop to accept the monies raised. Pictured left to right surrounding Rocco Gesauldi are his daughter Caryn Swensen, employee Dana Ventrella and our clinicians, Margie Blake, Su Murdock and Cheryl Koeber. It takes people out of the ordinary to step back from their busy lives and reach out to enrich the lives of strangers in distress. The owners of Rocco’s Haircutting Salon on Padanaram Road recently took this path. Rocco Gesauldi and his family decided to raise money for Ann’s Place, The Home of I CAN to celebrate Rocco’s 38 years in business. They heard of many people who depend on our cancer support and resource center during the difficult days of cancer treatment and follow-up. They understood the need. So they created a Cut-a-Thon in May 2007 and donated all their fees and tips, along with raffle proceeds. Rocco, an American who emigrated from Italy with $33 in his pocket, worried that no one would show up. He needn’t have! The salon was overflowing all day with happy children and adults, in an atmosphere akin to a family gathering. People from other towns read of the fundraiser and came to participate, eager for their dollars to help. Hair stylists worked all day without breaks to handle the crowds. We applaud Rocco and his family and employees for this extraordinary gift to the community. They did not wait to be asked; they took the initiative and created something joyful. The public responded with over $8,300 in donations that will positively impact the lives of local people with cancer. There is not a cure yet. Until the cure, we provide the care and keep hope alive. We cannot do it alone. We depend on donations and fundraisers, so friends like Rocco and his family are a godsend. Spring Spotlight: Charles Speidel |
Charlie Speidel of Newtown created a ladies golf tournament at Ridgewood Country Club to honor his late wife Phyllis. Friends Rosie Daley and Marcia Izzo (shown here with Charlie) stepped up to help him with arrangements for his Daffodil-themed outing to create a fun day with all of Phyllis’ favorite things and old friends. Since its inception almost four years ago, Charlie has donated the day’s proceeds to Ann’s Place. Last year, he announced that the proceeds will go to create a daffodil garden at Ann’s Place in honor of Phyllis.