(Appeared on the Fairfield Citizen newspaper’s website 11/24)
By Mike Lauterborn
© 2010. All Rights Reserved.
11/23/10
Fairfield, CT – They were all like one big happy family united in a great cause and festive setting, and happy to share their good fortune to help others in need.
The blissful occasion was the 12th Annual Jannotta Family Feed that brought together Jannotta family, friends, high-ranking politicians and philanthropists to contribute funds to the Connecticut Food Bank. The buffet dinner was held at Vazzy’s 19th Hole Restaurant at D. Fairchild Wheeler Golf Club at 2930 Easton Tpke.
The original idea for the fundraiser was Tony Jannotta’s, special counsel to Senator-elect Richard Blumenthal. As he described it, “I was sitting around the kitchen table looking at the newspaper and read about food banks being in need. The Executive Director of the CT Food Bank, Nancy Carrington, was quoted as saying, ‘A donation of $10 can feed a family of four.’ I started asking friends and family if they would contribute $10 or more and, in a couple of days, had gathered about $2,000. I called Nancy to pass it off to her. Now, 12 years later, the event raises upwards of $20,000 and we’ve helped feed thousands and thousands of Connecticut families.”
Carrington, who has led the CT Food Bank since 1989 and is now its CEO, said, “The mission of the Food Bank is to alleviate hunger by distributing food and grocery products to the organizations that feed people in need and also work to educate the public about the problem of hunger. This annual event has raised approximately $200,000 over the years. It’s really heartwarming to come to an event like this where true believers in the Food Bank, without help from us, raise money to help neighbors in need.”
The politicos on hand to show support were many including Blumenthal, Governor-elect Dan Malloy, Fairfield First Selectman Ken Flatto, Senate Majority Leader John McKinney and Commissioner of Consumer Protection Jerry Farrell. Jannotta’s father, Al, said of their attendance, “This is a totally bipartisan event as you can see. Everyone leaves their political views at the door. We all get a great feeling from doing.”
“To help the CT Food Bank is so important,” said Flatto. “The Jannotta family has spearheaded one of the largest fundraisers. I commend them for a great job.”
Added Blumenthal, “This is really about family – the Jannotta family and all extended family, everyone here contributing and making Thanksgiving special for people who would otherwise have a less cheerful holiday. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday as it’s truly American. What better way to celebrate than by being generous?”
Malloy echoed the sentiment. “When we say our meal prayer or toast that toast and remember at that moment what we strive to do here, then we’ll think about it at another moment. We are indeed blessed but the greatest blessing is to pass it on to another.”
Carrington noted that every dollar goes a long way to helping. “The $20,000 we raise tonight will translate into 68,000 meals. People will be fed at Thanksgiving and through the winter.”
Tony Jannotta’s mother, Jeannette, who towed around and passed out Gumi Bears to grandchildren Eleanor, 5, and John, 3, was grateful for everyone’s support. “This Family Feed is a thank you to the donors. A thanks for giving, if you will.”
Jannotta’s wife, Brenda, said the event had become part of the family’s Thanksgiving tradition. “Now that we have kids, we’ve brought them into the picture. It’s really fun.”
Attendees were honored to be on hand and glad to contribute. Ansonia resident Raymond Ragaini said of the event, “It’s always a good cause. In our country, as rich as we are, 1 in 7 people are hungry right now. It’s a sad commentary. I believe because of efforts like this, we’re helping people in a small way.”
Judy Michaelis of Westport added, “It’s really nice to give back. This is a good cause with warm, giving people.”
An end-of-night tally showed $17,564 had been raised at the dinner alone and Carrington expected to receive additional donations over the next couple of weeks.
To contribute, checks can be made payable to the “CT Food Bank” and mailed to Anthony Jannotta at 275 Fallow Field Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.
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