Black Rock, CT - Over 200 supporters of Team Woofgang & Co. moved and grooved to the hip sound of the live music performed by Band Central. Park City Music Hall in the heart of historic Black Rock recently turned into a disco nightclub reminiscent of the famed New York City Studio 54. Some of the most memorable disco tunes that got the crowd gyrating included "You Should Be Dancing," "Proud Mary," "Le Freak," and "Love Train."
Woofie Wonderland, one of Team Woofgang & Co.'s biggest fundraisers of the year, brought in more than $80,000. These proceeds will go directly into curriculum, programming, and supporting Team Woofgang's commitment to offering all services at no cost to team members and their families.
"This popular annual event recognizes the many achievements our nonprofit is known for in the community," said Amiee Turner, Executive Director of Team Woofgang & Co. "We are here to celebrate an amazing milestone - five years of unbelievable success. We started with a small but mighty group of mothers and their children and have grown to over 60 team members. These program participants come not only from Fairfield and Bridgeport but also from 16 surrounding towns."
In addition, Team Woofgang & Co. continues to expand their community outreach beyond their retail storefront in Fairfield. The organization has wholesale partnerships in place with 11 different area merchants. Plus, Team Woofgang & Co. participates in over 20 fairs, festivals, and pop-up shops throughout the year and has ongoing social activities and/or learning relationships with Sacred Heart University, Fairfield University, Fairfield Prep and eight area transitions programs.
As part of the evening's festivities, two team members spoke from their heart about how Team Woofgang & Co. has impacted their lives in such a positive way. In addition, the world premiere of the video, "The Life of a Treat," debuted to illustrate how team members collaboratively participate in every aspect of our treat-making process and how this participation integrates into the curriculum.
Fabulous food and drinks were prepared by Harborview Market. A lively silent auction and paddle raise added to the full menu of fun activities.
Committee members who organized this fifth Party with a Purpose were Jackie Davis and Caroline Mazza, both of Fairfield. Major sponsors included the DiNardo-Aiello Foundation, M&T Bank, The Band Central Fund, Joy Grossman & Paul Horton of Southport,Tito's Handmade Vodka, GYL Financial Synergies, Hair, K & J, MeehanLaw, LLC, Edward and Sara Clancy of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Cornelia Fortier of Westport, John and Debra Shaw of Old Greenwich, and Grose Family Charitable Fund.Team Woofgang & Co. is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing individualized vocational skills training, lifelong learning, and social opportunities at no cost to team members or their families. Team Woofgang's curriculum is tailored to the unique special abilities of each team member by enhancing individual skills through the production, packaging, marketing and selling of high-quality pet treats and novelty items. Team members achieve a greater sense of independence and the invaluable sense of worth felt when successful and productive. Learn more about Team Woofgang & Co. Please visit https://www.woofgangco.org or their pet store located at 1300 Post Road, Fairfield.In recognition of Team Woofgang & Co.'s outstanding work in the community, the organization will be recognized by the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, June 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield as the Non-Profit of the Year. Call the Chamber at 203-255-1011 to registerPHOTOS:1. Celebrating the success of Team Woofgang & Co.'s Woofie Wonderland at Park City Music Hall in historic Black Rock are the following supporters, left to right: Fairfield resident Jon Davis with Caroline Mazza, also of Fairfield, and Christine McBride of Trumbull. Mazza was also on the organizing committee for this organization's fifth "Party with a Purpose" that raised more than $80,000. These proceeds will go directly into curriculum, programming, and supporting Team Woofgang’s commitment to offering services at no cost to team members and their families.2. Having fun at Team Woofgang & Co.'s Woofie Wonderland "Party with a Purpose" are the following area residents, left to right: Paul Tortora of Fairfield, John McAndrew of Southport, and Dave Salerno of Fairfield. More than $80,000 was raised at this spectacular event that was hosted by Park City Music Hall in historic Black Rock. Proceeds will go directly into curriculum, programming, and supporting Team Woofgang’s commitment to offering services at no cost to team members and their families.3. Amiee Turner of Fairfield, Executive Director of Team Woofgang & Co., far right, appears on stage with team members from Bridgeport and Fairfield during the auction portion of Woofie Wonderland "Party with a Purpose". More than $80,000 was raised at this spectacular event that was hosted by Park City Music Hall in historic Black Rock. Proceeds will go directly into curriculum, programming, and supporting Team Woofgang’s commitment to offering services at no cost to team members and their families.
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