Grauer, Williams Honored at Annual Meeting

At its 117^th Annual Meeting, Family Centers recognized one of its most passionate Board members and longtime volunteers for her unyielding dedication to the agency and its clients.

As a Board Vice Chairman, Laurie Grauer has worked tirelessly to promote the agency's mission and secure necessary funds to support programs serving low-income children and families.  This past June, she hosted and co-chaired Family Centers' Fiesta Cuba benefit - an extraordinary event that raised more than $720,000. 

As a way to acknowledge Laurie for her many contributions to the agency, Family Centers presented her with the 2008 Helen Gratz Rockefeller Outstanding Volunteerism Award. 

"Laurie came onto Family Centers' Board eight years ago with a burst of enthusiasm, and that energy has never let up," said Joan Melber Warburg, a former Board Chairman and past recipient of the award.  "She is passionate about our mission and has worked tirelessly to raise the dollars necessary to support the agency's work with low-income children and families"  

Bruce Williams was also named the 2008 Family Champion for helping to ensure that Family Centers' clients never have to struggle to put food on their tables.  Over the past 20 years, Bruce has worked with St. John's Lutheran Church in Stamford to keep Family Centers' food pantry stocked.  Bruce also provides clients with generous food baskets during the holidays. 

"As a retired police officer, Bruce has seen first hand the stress and financial burdens facing so many families living in lower Fairfield County," said Family Centers' President Bob Arnold.  "Because of his generous and caring nature, no one has to leave our office and go home hungry."