Westwood Community Chest: Gala of Giving (to go!) Coming March 6

The Westwood community is coming together to support Westwood Community Chest* (WCC). This heartwarming response is most welcome as they plan their annual fundraiser. This year they are planning a virtual event. Their “Gala of Giving (to go)" is scheduled for March 6, 2021, at 7:00 pm. Tickets were released on February 5th. They are available for purchase online at www.westwoodcommunitychest.org.

They are excited about this event which will have all the things that are traditionally at the gala; enjoyed at home. The program's livestream will feature a Founder’s Roundtable, singers from throughout the community, and raffle prizes selected to enhance the stay-at-home experience. A Zoom link will be sent to attendees a week prior to the gala.

The very popular wine pull and silent auction are also going virtual. “Gala to Go” tasting platters prepared by Chiara Bistro will be available to all participants. The platters will have charcuterie, house-made taro and pita chips, Chiara's own spinach arugula pesto and chickpea feta hummus, and assorted olives and dried fruits, served with a small carafe of house-made Sangria Rossi (non-alcoholic option available upon request). There is also a dinner to-go option.

The Westwood Community Chest's motto is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”

Westwood Community Chest (WCC) is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity dedicated to helping Westwood residents in need through financial assistance. The organization is run by a volunteer board and works with the town of Westwood to ensure that community members get the help they need. WCC receives funds from residents, private donors, and businesses. It then distributes the donations to help families in need via a confidential application process.
· Single parents in need of safe summer activities for their children through our “Campership” program.
· Elderly people with tight budgets and rising utility bills.
· Children who need medical treatment – we do not fund school supplies we do fund internet connections for remote learning!
· Families who have experienced a job loss or other financial crises and are struggling to make ends meet.

WCC works closely with our liaisons from the town who help us identify families at risk and connect them with resources to address their critical needs. Throughout this assessment and our application process, all applicant information is kept private and strictly confidential.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at westwoodcommunitychest.org. Applications for assistance are also available at many Town offices including the Town Clerk’s office, the Senior Center, Youth and Family Services, and the Veteran’s Affairs Department.

* As always, a member of my household sits on the WCC board.