When the first annual SCA Wine Tasting event was first conceived, the tremendous enthusiasm it promoted, both from volunteers and attendees, was in large part due to the fact that it was designated as a fundraiser to help our neighbor Silverminers in need.

Soon after the last drop of wine was enjoyed and net profits of $8000.00 were counted, Eleanor Sasso, Chair for the wine tasting and the Helping Hands program, began to meet with the Social Services Directors of Norwalk, New Canaan and Wilton to determine where the need was greatest.

As many of the federal, state and local programs have had budget cuts, there were more local families, individuals and seniors than in previous years facing near desperate financial and physical situations.

We would like to be able to give to everyone in need, but with limited funds, choices had to be made and the first choice was to focus on folks within the Silvermine boundaries.

Laura Epstein, Director of Senior and Disabled Services for Norwalk (there is no Social Services Director in Norwalk) ,Carol McDonald, Director of Human Services for New Canaan and Cathy Pierce, Director of Social Services in Wilton were contacted.

The Helping Hands program was discussed in detail and we joined forces to locate those folks who had the most urgent needs.

In early October, Eleanor handed checks to Laura and Carol for immediate dispersal….

In Silvermine Norwalk:

• A frail woman of 86, blind, and not able to pay her fuel bills has received financial relief

• Another frail woman of 84, with multiple health problems, is now attending Elderhouse

• An elderly couple, victims of much misfortune, mentally and physically exhausted, are now attending Waveny.

In Silvermine New Canaan:

• A single mom and 2 children, victims of domestic violence, with no child support are now receiving assistance with their electric and oil bills

• A couple in their 80’s and their disabled son who have lived in New Canaan for 50 years, trying to survive on social security, are now receiving assistance with their energy bills

What else is there to say except: help us to ease the suffering of those not as fortunate as ourselves by generously supporting our second annual Wine Tasting fundraiser in June of 2009!

For more information on how you can help NOW, contact Eleanor Sasso, 203 762 0216; easasso "at" optonline.net