Family Centers’ President Bob Arnold (right) presents Mike Hoffman with the Family Champion Award
Greenwich, CT - At its 120th Annual Meeting, Family Centers recognized two people whose contributions have impacted thousands of area residents and helped make Family Centers the trusted community resource it is today.
As a member of the Family Centers’ Board of Directors since 2000, Bob Wells of Darien has left a mark on nearly every aspect of the organization. Wells, a former advertising executive, helped to solidify Family Centers’ communications plan and was a driving force behind the increased visibility the agency has enjoyed in recent years. He also led numerous speaker trainings, and taught Family Centers’ staff how to “tell their stories” in the community. And as a member of The Blue Flames – a touring steel drum band – Wells has raised thousands of dollars to help families in need.
For all his efforts, Wells was presented the 2011 Helen Gratz Rockefeller Outstanding Volunteerism Award, Family Centers’ highest honor for volunteer service.
“When you think of a hands-on volunteer, Bob Wells immediately comes to mind,” said Laurie Host, Chairman of Family Centers’ Board of Directors. “For the past 11 years, he has immersed himself in the Family Centers culture and made a lasting impression. Whether he’s playing his steel drum for much-needed funds or offering insight on how to better serve our clients, Family Centers is always at the top of his priority list.”
Family Centers’ Board Member Bob Wells and former Family Centers Board Chairman Joan Warburg
Mike Hoffman, owner of Hoffman Landscapes of Wilton, Greenwich and Fairfield, was also named the 2011 Family Champion for his work on Family Centers’ annual Hope Lights Lives fundraiser. Each year, Hoffman and his staff assemble thousands of luminary kits, which are sold throughout Wilton. Hoffman also donates the use of his Stamford warehouse for storage and distribution purposes. In all, Hoffman’s efforts raises upwards of $40,000 for the Hope Lights Lives campaign.
“The success of our annual Hope Lights Lives luminary campaign is due in large part to the hard work of Mike Hoffman and the employees at Hoffman Landscapes,” said Family Centers’ President Bob Arnold. “Because of Mike’s dedication, hundreds of children and adults are able to get the help they need to cope with loss and other life altering circumstances.”
Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering education and human services to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. More than 1,700 professionals and trained volunteers work together to provide a wide range of responsive, innovative programs. A United Way, Community Fund of Darien and New Canaan Community Foundation partner agency, Family Centers is a member of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies and the Alliance for Children and Families and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The agency is licensed by the State of Connecticut Departments of Public Health and Children and Families. Visit www.familycenters.org for additional information.
