Volunteers and their friends at the Friendship Circle Evening of Appreciation in Stamford.

…in Stamford

Almost 1,000 people attended the Friendship Circle’s Evening of Appreciation at the Stamford Hilton Hotel on June 1 to thank the group’s teen volunteers and families for all they do. The Friendship Circle enriches the lives of children with special needs by bringing them together with teen volunteers for hours of fun and friendship. More than 100 families throughout Fairfield County benefit from the Friendship Circle, whose 350 teen volunteers provide more than 12,500 “friendship hours” to children with special needs annually. To find out more about Stamford’s Friendship Circle visit www.friendshipct.com.

Enjoying the afternoon at the West Hartford Friendship Circle event are (l to r) Alex Fishman, Jamie Roland and Ethan Freund.

…in West Hartford

On Sunday, June 1, the Friendship Circle of Greater Hartford, an organization that serves children, teens and young adults with special needs and their families through a wide range of Jewish, social and recreational programs, paid tribute to the teen volunteers who make it all happen by giving freely of their time, devotion and unconditional love and support. During the afternoon of sharing and inspiration, guests were given a glimpse of the group’s members and volunteers in action through photo and video presentations. Friendship Circle is a project of Chabad of Greater Hartford. To find out more about the West Hartford Friendship Circle call (860) 833-4035 or visit www.Friendshipcirclect.com.

Rebbitzen Freida Hecht and Rabbi Shai Hecht present the Circle of Friends Visionary Award to Bill and Andrea Pecoriello of Westport.

…in Fairfield County

More than 300 guests enjoyed an elegant evening of good food and good friends at the Lag B’Omer gala fundraiser hosted by the Circle of Friends on Sunday, May 18 at the Inn at Longshore in Westport. Among the dignitaries in attendance: Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Weston First Selectman Gayle Weinstein, and Westport Probate Judge Lisa Wexler.  Based in Fairfield County and co-sponsored by Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk and the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life, Circle of Friends provides children and young adults with special needs with the camaraderie of teen volunteers. Founded in 2004 by Rebbetzin Freida Hecht, today Circle of Friends has grown into a volunteer base of more than 130 teens serving close to one hundred families and individuals with special needs. In addition, Circle of Friends clubs are located in the public high schools of Norwalk, Westport, and Weston and Wilton.