Darien Chamber of Commerce Recognizes The Darien Foundation’s 25th Anniversary
The Darien Chamber of Commerce honored local nonprofit The Darien Foundation’s for its 25 years of enriching Darien with grants that benefit the community. Kesti Aysseh, executive director of the Chamber, attended Foundation’s board meeting in September to present the organization with a plaque to mark the occasion. “The Chamber takes a leadership role in our community, and we are thrilled to get this recognition from them,” said Board Chair Ward Glassmeyer.
The Darien Foundation was originally founded by local parents in 1998, who aimed to contribute technology and computers to the Darien Public Schools. The organization soon expanded to providing grants to the Mather Senior Center, the Darien Police, Darien EMS Post 53, the three volunteer fire departments, as well as other local organizations such as the Darien Library. To date, The Darien Foundation has awarded nearly $6 million in grants to benefit the community of Darien, including $443,000 grants awarded during their fiscal year which ended June 30, 2023.
DAF Media Joint Venture w Darien Athletic Foundation: $72,500
Darien Fire Department Jaws of Life tools: $100,000
Darien Parks & Rec Department (Weed Beach): $35,000
Darien Police Department Police Boat: $124,000
Darien Public School initiatives: $11,500
The Tiny Miracles Foundation: $100,000
“It is an honor to recognize and celebrate the work and contributions that our Chamber members make to our community,” said Kesti Aysseh, executive director of The Darien Chamber of Commerce. “The Darien Foundation has played a crucial role in providing grants that directly benefit not only our youth, first responders, and schools, but many of our Chamber member nonprofit organizations.”
Founded in 1957, The Darien Chamber of Commerce brings together businesses and nonprofits in its 275-membership. The Chamber is committed to promoting a prosperous business environment as well as a strong sense of community in Darien. The Chamber spotlights important member milestones including ribbon cuttings, anniversaries, and special events. The Chamber also organizes community-wide events connecting the residents and businesses including the summer Sidewalk Sales and the upcoming Chamber Jam Music and Food Festival on October 14. In addition, members benefit from a host of programs including networking and professional development events, marketing and shop local initiatives, town wide gift certificate program and more.
About the Darien Chamber of Commerce
Established as a 501(c) (6) nonprofit in 1982, the Darien Chamber of Commerce is committed to taking a leadership role in promoting the business community and quality of life in Darien. Their 275-members contribute to the economic stability and vitality of the town of Darien, CT. For more information about The Darien Foundation, visit: darienctchamber.com
Facebook: @DarienCTchamber
Instagram: @DarienCTchamber
About The Darien Foundation
The Darien Foundation is an independent, community-based, 501(c) (3) public charity. Since 1998, The Darien Foundation has awarded nearly $6 million in grants for technology and capital initiatives, which create opportunities for Darien’s youth, support our town’s safety and security services, and enhance the overall quality of life in Darien. Our volunteer Board of Directors — who reflect the many constituencies of Darien — thoroughly evaluates grant requests and assists grant recipients in achieving their goals. Public donations are directed to supporting grants awarded by The Darien Foundation, as all operating costs have been funded by Board member and Officer contributions. Most recently, The Darien Foundation has awarded grants to At Home in Darien, the Darien Fire Department, the Darien Heritage Trail, the Darien Library, the Darien Public Schools, and EMS-Post 53.
For more information about The Darien Foundation, visit darienfoundation.org
Facebook: @darienfoundation
Instagram: @thedarienfoundation
YouTube: bit.ly/DFonYouTube
LinkedIn: @the-darien-foundation
Photo Credit: Calderwood Photography
https://calderwoodphotography.com
