By Alex Sullivan
The GetAbout fundraiser brought the community together in style this past weekend on April 6th. Surpassing its goals, the fundraiser more than doubled the previous year’s total, thanks to the town’s unparalleled generosity and an anonymous benefactor who matched every dollar donated toward the “giving car” with two of their own. These generous donations ensure that GetAbout can continue its invaluable service to the town, underlining its unique role in the fabric of New Canaan life.
The night was marked by poignant speeches from Bill Post, GetAbout Board President, and event Chair and board member Cynthia Saffi. They touched upon the essence of GetAbout’s mission and, more broadly, what it means to be a community. Their words reminded us of how important it is for a town to come together to support one another.
The silent auction stood out for its breadth, ensuring there was something to catch every attendee’s interest—and indeed, the bids were plentiful. The live auctions, featuring a luxury vacation in Mexico and a motorized car for children, added an extra layer of excitement to the evening. And everyone was buzzing about the Mentalist and his incredible abilities!
Yet, beyond the success of fundraising and the thrill of the auction and entertainment, the event was a microcosm of community life. It showcased a night where multiple generations mingled, shared laughs, and danced away under the canopy of a shared cause. The band played late into the night, providing a soundtrack to the community’s celebration of spring and their shared support for a cause that makes New Canaan a unique place to call home.
The GetAbout fundraiser highlighted the strength of community and generosity, revealing that a town’s heart lies in the joy and shared purpose stemming from unity for a cause. In this, New Canaan has shown itself to be a model of communal spirit and generosity, setting a benchmark for what communities can achieve when they unite for the common good.
Over the last 40 years GetAbout has grown from the dream of a few civic-minded New Canaanites to a vibrant organization providing more than 8,000 rides last year. The one used van that initiated the service 40 years ago has now grown to a fleet of 7 fully accessible vans on the road every weekday. Initially funded solely by those few New Canaanites, GetAbout now enjoys funding from local businesses, hospitals, churches and government organizations in addition to individual contributions.
Scheduling a ride with GetAbout New Canaan is easy! Call a Dispatcher at: 203-972-7433.
To support GetAbout visit https://getaboutnc.org/donate/ online or mail in your donation to:
GetAbout; P.O. Box 224
New Canaan, CT 06840
In addition to donations, there are many ways to establish a legacy contribution to GetAbout. If you are interested in learning about planned giving, contact Bill Post, at president@getaboutnc.org.
