GUILFORD, CT — Guilford Interfaith Volunteers (GIV) is readying for several upcoming fundraising events and initiatives as the organization approaches its 40th anniversary in 2025.
GIV is the umbrella for Meals on Wheels, Friendly Visiting and Charlie’s Closet, and it co-directs the Food Bank with Guilford Social Services.
“It’s exciting but it’s also a time when we’re faced with a difficult environment,” said GIV Executive Director Christi Burton, noting the current state of inflation. “We always appreciate the support of the Guilford community. Anything they can do is always well received and very appreciated.”
Find out what's happening in Guilfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Darling Diva Bingo
GIV will host a new fundraising event, “Darling Diva Bingo,” to benefit Meals on Wheels on Sept. 27.
The event will feature a fun night of drag queen bingo, as the Darling Divas will entertain with performances throughout the night’s 10 bingo games. Prizes will be available.
Find out what's happening in Guilfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. at the VFW Post Hall, 104 Mill Road, and the festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m.
There will be a cash bar and desserts available for purchase. Guests may bring their own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Tickets are $30 in advance — those interested should call the Meals on Wheels office at 203-453-8359. The price will be $35 the night of the event. Only those 18-plus are allowed.
New Donation Box Initiative
The donation box for the Guilford Food Bank has been removed from the Big Y in town, but GIV is looking to create a new box that will be located at the Guilford Parks, Recreation and Seniors Department at 32 Church St., Burton said.
Todd Woodhouse, a local craftsman and carpenter, is making a new box that will be used for donations to Meals on Wheels and the Guilford Food Bank.
Burton said the box should be completed within a few weeks. It will be placed outside, but can be rolled inside during inclement weather.
“It’s kind of a localized way for the Park and Rec., Meals on Wheels, and the Guilford Food Bank to all have a collaboration to hopefully draw attention to donations, monetarily or food. I think people did miss having that box in a central location,” Burton added.
Annual Patriotic Dinner
The annual Patriotic Dinner event to honor veterans is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8 at the Guilford Park and Rec.
Resident Larry Santamaria will once again make his meat and vegetable lasagna, which will be available to enjoy in person or at home through takeout.
“It’s just a nice collaboration where we can do a fundraiser and we can honor veterans in the same event,” Burton said, noting kids from the Pilgrim Fellowship of Guilford usually serve each year.
Veterans always eat free, Burton said. This year, the Ethan Miller Song Foundation has donated to cover the cost of the meals for veterans.
More details on the dinner will be announced closer to the event.
For more information, go to the Guilford Interfaith Volunteers website.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Click Here: new zealand warriors shirt