The Design Wish Team and the Roberts Family

……………

In 2011, we chose to offer our support to a Branford family who suffered a devastating loss in their lives. Here is their story told by mother and grandmother, Peggy A. Maier…

Deb Roberts and her four sons lost husband and father, Steve Roberts at 43 years old, this August after fighting Stage IV Esophogeal cancer in 2009 and surviving Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in his twenties. Steve was an amazing and dedicated father, husband and physics teacher. Due to health issues, life insurance was minimal. Deb at 43 now needs to provide financially, physically, and emotionally for her four boys ages 17, 12 and 9. Two of the boys are twins hopefully heading off to college next summer. Having a serene redesigned space would give Deb a place to catch her breath and find solitude to rejuvenate each day. With finances very short and debt beyond their means, I hope you can consider Deb and her boys as worthy of your design efforts.

The Roberts were more than worthy of our efforts. Though a room makeover can never take away the pain of their tremendous loss, we hoped that their redesigned space would give them some sense of peace, as well as the comfort of knowing that people who genuinely care about their circumstances were here to support them during this difficult time in their lives.

THE DESIGNWISH TEAM

Lisa Leonardi
The Room Doctor/203-464-5318
www.theroomdoctor.com

Kristen Wall
Wall to Wall Home Concepts, LLC
203-430-6559
www.walltowallhomeconcepts.com

Robin Reed
Robin Reed Ltd., LLC
203-481-6378

Patty MacNeil
Madison Furniture Barn/Interior Decorator
203-314-8928
www.madisonfurniturebarnct.com

Olena Murphy
Vesna Interiors LLC
203-689-5089
www.vesnallc.com

Ginny McParland – Design Intern
Ginny McParland Designs
203-249-1197
Ginnymcparland2002 {at} yahoo(.)com

Julie Cousins
Let’s Get Organized
203-605-1238

Jennifer Moore
Public Relations
203-308-3535

Sheri Kellaher
Graphic Design
203-988-0921

DESIGNWISH SPONSORS

Madison Furniture Barn
314 Flat Rock Place, Suite F 155
Westbrook, CT 06498
Eileen Smith
www.madisonfurniturebarnct.com
860-399-7846

Margaret’s Folly, LLC
Website Design
800 Village Walk, #308
Guilford, CT 06437
Margaret E. Tehan
www.margaretsfolly.com
203-768-9553

Decorative Interiors
12-16 Westbrook Place
Westbrook, CT 06498
860-399-9754
Sue {at} sbcglobal(.)net
Susan Lennox, Decorative Interiors

Window Products
Sylvia Prior
11 Business Park Drive
Branford, CT 06405
203-481-9772
www.windowproductsct.com

CONTRACTORS

Bay Street Construction, LLC
Darrin and Marc Reed
63 Tom Harvey Road
Westerly, RI 02891
401-348-0172
www.baystreetconstruction.com

Broughal Painting
Andy Broughal
82 Applewood Rd
Branford, CT 06405-6102
pbroughal {at} comcast(.)net

GDS Contracting Corporation
Jack Squillacote
1623 Berlin Turnpike
Berlin, CT 06037
860-828-6654
Jack {at} gdscontracting(.)com

Johannesen Home Improvements
Ted Johannesen
203-640-8548
Thadd1977 {at} hotmail(.)com

Kent Johannesen
HVAC contractor
Stratford, CT
203-752-8958

MC Wood Floor
Anderson Ferreira
203-526-6360

Shoreline Remodeling & Carpentry, LLC
Bill Meglin
203-980-6135
s-r-c-llc {at} comcast(.)net

Sked Electric, LLC
Ken Sked
860-434-3366
www.SkedElectric.com

Matt Shimizu
27 Grand St
Seymour, CT 06483
203-260-9244

These Guys
Jim Schmaltz
32 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457
860-344-0022
jim {at} theseguysinstall(.)com

Tyler Painting
Richard Tyler
35 Turtle Bay Dr
.
Branford, CT 06405
203-824-3423

MERCHANT DONORS

Alana Adams Area Rugs & Window Treatments
350 Main Street
Durham, CT
860-349-9581

Ava Tyler Yoga
35 Turtle Bay Dr
Branford, CT 06405
www.avatyler.com
203-996-5558

Branford Building Supplies
Vinnie Giordano, Owner
1145 Main Street
Branford, CT
(203) 488-2518

Cheap Truck Rental
294 North Main St
Branford, CT
203-488-6444

Christine Chiochio
161 Thimble Islands Rd
Branford, CT 06405

CJ’s Upholstery
Jamie
3 Old Hickory Lane, Branford
cjsupholsteryworkroom {at} gmail(.)com
203-481-7733

Coast to Coast
Patty Goldfederer, Sales Representative
1 Crossman Road
S. Sayreville, NJ 08872
800-354-4401

Cottage Whimsey
Carol Cyr
1333 Boston Post Road
Old Saybrook, CT
860-395-0636

Double A Stone LLC
886 Seaview Ave.
Bridgeport, CT
203-275-8253

Down to Earth Home Accents & Decorating
Holly Browning
203-687-7010
loveyourhome {at} comcast(.)net

Deke’s Solid Wood Furniture
312 East Main St.
Route 1
Branford, CT 06405
203-488-2284
www.dekesfurniture.com

Fabric Factory Outlet
Erica Mann
1250 Boston Post Road
Milford, CT 06460
203-877-3380
fabricfactory {at} conversent(.)net

Floors & More , Inc.
Geno Bontatibus
170 Fort Path Rd.,
Madison CT 06443
203-245-2191

Fran Detmer
Specializing in Sewing for the Home
20 Manzoni Farm Rd
Madison, CT 06443-1966
edetmer20 {at} comcast(.)net
(203) 245-0878

Glow Face & Body Boutique
Janyce Greenberg
183 Montowese Street
Branford, CT 06405
203-481-6222
www.glowfaceandbody.com

Hayneedle, Inc
.
12720  I Street STE 200
Omaha, NE 68137

Jody’s Recovery Room
540 West Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
203-488-9963

Joes Paint & Floor Store
Joe & Matt Pagliaro
145 N Main St
Branford, CT
mattpags {at} gmail(.)com
203-488-5637

Linda Sullivan
22 Cedar Croft Drive
Madison, CT
203-421-5082

Lisa Hess Hesselgrave
31 Sachem Road
Stony Creek, CT
www.lisahesselgrave.com

M!X Design Store
29 Whitfield Street
Guilford, CT 06437
203-453-0202
Info {at} mixdesignstore(.)com

North Light Framing
Fred Sorrentino
1171 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405

Oxford Paint & Hardware
RT 67
Oxford, CT
203.888.9200

Richlin
236 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
203-481-8081

Ring’s End Lumber
Kel Tyler
25 East Industrial Road
Branford, CT 06405
203-488-3551

RJ Julia independent booksellers
768 Boston Post Rd
Madison, CT 06443
203.245.3959
www.rjjulia.com

Sachem Framing
Chris Cappezone
946 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT
203-453-5800

Salka Office Furniture
194 Research Parkway
Meriden, CT
203-237-9082

Salon Massimo
Dana Schmaltz
1169 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
203-484-5720

Scott Benson Studios
401 829-3832
www.scottbensonstudio.com
P.O. Box 2534
Providence, RI, 02906

Sharon Bian, Student
Leslie French-Hinde, Teacher
Walsh Intermediate School

Sherwin-Williams
Lee Wehry
2 Liesl Lane
Branford, CT 06405
sw5668 {at} sherwin(.)com

Shoreline Photography
Steven Smith
1921 Boston Post Rd Unit 4
Westbrook, CT
www.shorelinephotographyct.com
860.304.7813

Stacy Howton
1516 Travis Circle South
Irving, TX 76038
www.stacyhowton.com
817-247-2449

Stony Creek Fire Department
Jack Ahern & Steve Palumbo
81 School Street
Stony Creek, CT

Taken for Granite
Michelle and Sue
409 Leetes Island Road
Branford, CT 06405

The Organized Lifestyle Store
Kristin Mastromarino
725 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT 06437
203-458-7674

Venetucci Home
Tony Venetucci
433 Boston Post Rd
Westbrook, CT
860-399-6477

Weathervane Hill
Michael Chaney
467 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06850
203-838-2999

*Special Thanks to our Media Support*

CT Style, Connie Fitch

Patch.com, Nicole Ball

Shoreline Times; Sue Braden and Karena Garrity

WTNH
8 Elm St
New Haven, CT 06510

Pam Johnson, The Sound

BCTV

FUNDRAISERS

Ella on the Green
Erica Grasso
90 Broad St
Guilford, CT

On The Border
220 Indian River Rd
Orange, CT

FOOD & BEVERAGE DONATIONS

Branford Wine & Liquor
Allison & Stephan Dziedzic
Branhaven Plaza
Rt.1, 1043 West Main Street
Branford, CT 06405

Branford Evangelical Free Church
231 Leetes Island Road
Branford, CT 06405

Creekers Marine & Cuisine
Mike Kelly
4 Indian Point Road
Stony Creek, CT 06405
203-481-2836

Cohen’s Bagels
1008 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405

Deli Unlimited
1099 Boston Post Rd
Guilford, CT

Do Vallé, LLC
P.O Box 623
Branford, CT  06405
800-483-3100
www.dovalle.com

Friendly’s
Teresa Parisi
Leetes Island Road
Branford, CT 06405

Orchard House
421 Shore Drive
Branford, CT 06405

Pasta Cosi
Billy Dilegge
1018 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
203-483-9397

P&M Deli
Mario Ciccone
401 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405

SBC Brewery
Mark DeSilva, Brian Arnow
840 West Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
203-481-BREW

Shoreline Café
Wilson & Dena Jara
1247 Main Street
Branford, CT
203-488-2600

Stony Creek Market
Valerie & Greg Wilkins
178 Thimble Island Road
Branford, CT 06405
203-488-0145

Stony Creek Package Store
Mark
3 Thimble Island Road
Branford, CT 06405
203-488-3318

The Suburban
Suzette & Arturo Franco Camacho
2 East Main Street
Branford, CT 06405

FLOWER DONATIONS

Cynthia’s Flower Shop
Cynthia Paul
188 North Main St.
Branford, CT 06405
203-481-3115
www.cynthiasflowershop.com

Flowers on the Green
Christie Baker
959 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT 06437
203-458-1004
www.flowersonthegreen.com

CASH DONATIONS

Alden and Ginnie Victoria
Bob and Joan Cousins
Bob & Sue Levy
Doug Danaher and The Stone Agency
Jennifer & Greg Moore
Metro Medical Ind., Inc.
Sarah Gerritz
John & Julie Kiel
Stop & Shop – Ray Young
Don & Karen Brown
Bruce Caldarone
Kevin & Mary Margaret Visnic
Beth Conerly
Bob & Jackie Hunter
Christine Valuzzi
Todd & Heather Victoria
Bruce Freeman & Tina Roman
John & Alice Emra

VOLUNTEERS

Anny Bonelli
Scott Bontempo
Barbara Burnette
John Cardinali
Veronica Clayton
Beth Conerly
Alex Conover
Greg Cousins
Sue Evans
Sandy Fillion
Mary Frost
Dana Ian
Sue Ireland
Krysti Johanessen
Andy Kohnke
Candice Krause
Phil Leonardi
Christina Leonardi
Anne Lipkvich
Jen McShane
Dan Murphy
Carrie Nardella
Linda Rook
Keith Russell 
Patti Slavtcheff
Gretchen Tepley
Jim Wall
Matt Wiezalis
Sarina Yerkes

……………

Over the past four years, DesignWish has reached out to families who show courage when faced with serious health issues, families who have suffered a devastating loss, or families whose daily lives reflect the true meaning of giving back. Each year, as we review the nominations, we search for someone who possesses strength in the presence of adversity, or someone who possesses a heart of gold. Our 2012 recipient is someone who exhibits both of these amazing characteristics. Miner Vincent is a man who is willing to take a stand and make things happen in his community, no matter how daunting the task may be. In spite of his own health challenges, he puts the needs of others first. Without the enormous efforts of our 2012 recipient, many of Miner’s neighbors would be worried about where their next meal might come from or how they will stay warm in the cold winter months that lie ahead.

Lynn Hidek of Clinton introduced us to Miner through the following nomination letter. As you will see, Miner is someone who devotes his time and energy selflessly to benefit others without asking for anything in return. Giving without the expectation of receiving is precisely why we chose to award Miner with a room makeover. We hope his story will inspire each of us to give back to our own communities or – at the very least – to support Miner in his noble efforts.

Please see below for Lynn’s letter nominating Miner for a DesignWish room makeover:

How does a community express its appreciation to a local hero? In Clinton, “thank yous” resound for the impact that Miner Vincent has had on the lives of people in need.

Establishing the non-profit volunteer organization Families Helping Families six years ago, Miner works tirelessly to collect donations of non-perishable food for our local food pantry. More than 100,000 pounds of food has been given to neighbors in Clinton who struggle. Weekly, he drives to the food bank to supplement the pantry’s offerings with fresh produce and dairy items. He worries that families in town don’t have enough fuel oil to keep both children and the elderly warm throughout the winter. His efforts—often single-handedly—have seen $10,000 raised each year by Families Helping Families for fuel assistance, administered through our town’s social services. To get the message out that times are tough and our friends are hurting, Miner Vincent has spent long, hot, important hours manning a booth at the Bluefish Festival, standing in the cold during Hammonasset Day, and being pelted with rain as he collected donations at local grocery stores. For six years, all year long, Miner Vincent listens to the stories of our neighbors, their lives upended by circumstance, joblessness, illness: he listened, and, more profoundly, responded with all his energy, time and passion.

Now, how does a community respond when times are tough and our local hero is hurting? This summer Miner was hospitalized and his recovery has been a long, bumpy road. He and his wife, Blanche, are self-employed, owning a commercial cleaning service. While we’re asleep at night, Miner is cleaning banks and offices. Yes, the same Miner who spends most of his daylight hours working on behalf of others! Since July, Miner has been unable to work; Blanche has been doing all she can to keep the business, and their income, going. I believe they are self-insured. I can’t begin to imagine their medical insurance costs coupled with the costs of his illness. The good news is that he is rallying, but these months have taken a toll.

I nominate Miner and Blanche Vincent for a Design Wish makeover. They live in a modest home on beautiful property that was part of Blanche’s ancestors’ land for generations. Updating their home hasn’t been on their radar, but when illness struck, they realized that an organized area for paperwork was critical. I want Miner and Blanche to have space in their home that is comfortable, organized and flexible enough to accommodate a big extended family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at the holiday dinners they so enjoyed hosting. Of course, I know Miner will say, “Why us?” “Why this?” but when we convince him that Design Wish Makeover simply gives them a great space—a launching pad for goodness, if you will—we’ll know (and he’ll know) that our community has said “thank you” once more.

Watch this space. The DesignWish team will soon have a wish list for Miner and Blanche Vincent’s make-over. Please contact Lisa Leonardi at 203.464.5318 or email, Lisa {at} TheRoomDoctor(.)com if you think you can help.

Madison Furniture Barn
314 Flat Rock Place, Suite F155
Westbrook, CT 06498
860.399.7846
ecmsmith {at} sbcglobal(.)net

Margaret’s Folly, LLC
Website Design
Margaret E. Tehan
203-768-9553
margaret {at} margaretsfolly(.)com

Window Products
Sylvia Prior
11 Business Park Drive
Branford, CT 06405
203-481-9772

Nautical Needles LLC
12-16 Westbrook Place
Westbrook, CT 06498
860-399-9754
Sue {at} sbcglobal(.)net
Susan Lennox, Decorative Interiors

Frost Family Key Donors

Johannesen Home Improvements
Ted Johannesen
203-640-8548
Thadd1977 {at} hotmail(.)com

Riverbend Development
Joseph Lynch/Mark Eastwood
15 Liberty Street
Madison,  CT
203-530-1037

maydesignservices {at} snet(.)net">Cottage Whimsey
Carol Cyr, owner
1333 Boston Post Road
Old Saybrook, CT
860-395-0636

Bill Meglin
Shoreline Remodeling & Carpentry, LLC
203-980-6135
s-r-c-llc {at} comcast(.)net

Kim Regan
Kim E.’s Interior Painting
203-392-4917

Country Home Furnishings
Rte. 80 @ Rte. 139
North Branford, CT 06471
203-481-4120
icfreps {at} comcast(.)net

Jacob Kennedy
Designer & Fabricator of Custom Steel
Public Nation Design
4 Sycamore Way #8
Branford, CT 06405
203-278-9775

Frost Family Contractors

NC Wood Floor, LLC
Anderson Serreira
203-526-6360

Bill Cugno Remodeling
860-304-0181

Sked Electric, LLC
Ken Sked
860.434.3366

Bay Street Construction LLC
Darrin Reed
P.O. Box 1245
Westerly, RI 02891
401-348-0172

Longshore Services LLC
Chris Weiler
203.245.4427

Sew What?
Teri Trudel
116 Blinnshed Road
Madison, CT 06443
203.500.3056
Teritrudel {at} comcast(.)net

Frost Family Merchants/Donors

The Organized Lifestyle Store
725 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT 06437
203.458.7674

Northhaven Tile & Carpet One
Diane D’Adamo
2 Toelles Road
Wallingford, CT 06492

Ring’s End Lumber
Kel Tyler
25 East Industrial Road
Branford, CT  06405

Domestic Possessions
11 Garnet Park Road
Madison, CT  06443
203-350-0558

Cottage Flair/Jennifer White
289 Rt. 148
Killingworth, CT 06419
860-663-5619

Sherwin-Williams
Lee Wehry
2 Liesl Lane
Branford, CT 06405
sw5668 {at} sherwin(.)com

GDS Contracting Corp.
Jack Squillacote
1623 Berlin Turnpike
Berlin, CT 06037
860-828-6654

Refined Stone
Fay T. Flynn
17 Washington Avenue
Berlin, CT 06037
860-828-1844

Liz Squillacote
860-922-7017

Flowers on the Green
Christie Baker
959 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT 06437
Flowers.on.the.green {at} snet(.)net

Joanne Hourigan
Chaos
114 Main St., Deep River, CT
860.526.6878
JoanneHourigan {at} comcast(.)net

Affordable Lighting
727 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT 06437
203.458.7116

Alana Adams Window Treatments
350 Main Street
Durham, CT 06422
860-349-9581

Montage Décor
564 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
203-481-6378

Riverside Press
18 Plains Road
Essex, CT 06426
860-767-8752

ProSource of Milford
320 Quarry Road
Milford, CT
jwallak {at} psamerica(.)net

Deep River Hardware Co.
2 Elm Street
Deep River, CT
860.526.2776

Gather
104 Main Street
P.O. Box 666
Ivoryton, CT 06442

Sheri Kellaher
Graphic Design Services
203-988-0821

Carver Family Key Donors

Holly Browning
Down to Earth Home Accents & Decorating
203-687-7010
loveyourhome {at} comcast(.)net

LaPlace Eagan Painting
266 Main Street
Deep River, CT  06417
860.526.5429

Carver Family Contractors
Bill Meglin
Shoreline Remodeling & Carpentry, LLC
203-980-6135
s-r-c-llc {at} comcast(.)net

Wayne Hanna
Cabinet maker
500 Main Street
Deep River, CT  06417
860-526-3897

Daniel Magee
Custom framer
92 Main Street
Deep River, CT 06417
860-526-5803
magillxy {at} aol(.)com

Carver Family Merchants/Donors

Riverwind Antiques
209 Main Street
Deep River, CT 06417

M!X Design Store
29 Whitfield Street
Guilford, CT 06437
203-453-0202
Info {at} mixdesignstore(.)com

The Madison Stock Exchange
170 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT 06443
203-245-0348

The Paint Shop
59 Main Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
860.388.2345

Cottage Flair/Jennifer White
289 Rt. 148
Killingworth, CT 06419
860-663-5619

Sachem Framing
Chris Cappezone
946 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT
203-453-5800

Fair Haven Furniture, LLC
72 Blatchley Avenue
New Haven, CT 06513
203.776.3099

Middletown Plate & Glass Co., Inc.
40 Union Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06457

Jody’s Recovery Room
540 East Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
203-488-9963

Catherine Kiernan
9 Farmview Lane
Guilford, CT 06437
203-453-1795

Jayne Schumacher
Southington, CT

Blandina Orce
Guilford, CT

Donna Zemke
Guilford, CT

Tracey Hansen
Branford, CT

Ellen Lowe
Clinton, CT

Marzanna Butryn

Food & Flower Donations for Carver & Frost Reception

Ashleigh’s Garden
23 Main Street
Centerbrook, CT
860-767—2889

Riggio’s
136 Westbrook Road
Essex, CT 06426
860-767-0126

Adams Super Food Stores
Jeff Prindle
193 Main Street
Deep River, CT

Shore Discount Liquors
211 Main Street
Deep River, CT 06417
860-526-5197

Volunteers

Jon Heflin
Ann Anderson
Alex Conover
Sheri Kellaher
Anny Bonelli
Dana Ian
Tina Skapcynski
Wendy Renz
Debra Tietjen-Smith
Betsy Fodor
Sarina Yerkes
Agata Partyka
Sue Watts
Laura Mitzelfelt
Jim Wall
Marc Reed
Marta Slattery
Sharon Washburn
Laura Brink
Hannah Stone
Phil Leonardi
Amanda Leonardi
Christina Leonardi
Greg Cousins
Maria Shank

Monetary Donations

Jackie & Bob Hunter
Irene & Phillip Leonardi
Kevin Johnson & Laura Horvath Johnson
Jay & Janice Ginsberg
John Coutoupis
Tina Roman
Dr. David & Carrie Gallo
Fred & Renee Autorino
Susan Reynolds
Karen & Raymond Riccio
Matthew & Christine Kagan
Mike & Laura Stewart
Keith & Laura Mitzelfelt
J. Renee….A Salon
Todd & Heather Victoria
Raveis  Realtors

Read all about it in the Shoreline Times: The Big Reveal: Local designers make wishes come true for two families

Deserving Design in Deep River

On Christmas Eve, the DesignWish Team announced both the Carver Family and Frost Family of Deep River as the recipients of our 2010 complimentary room makeover! After considering more than twenty nominations, the DesignWish Team was agonizing over their top two choices, two families who both tugged at our heartstrings. Much thought and discussion brought us to wonder, “Can we reach out to more than one family this year?”  Upon realizing that both families live within a short distance of each other, we realized it was no coincidence why we were unable to decide between the Carvers or the Frosts. It was fate’s call that we honor both families as our DesignWish 2010 recipients.

As you read the following nomination letters written by family friends, we hope you will be touched by the stories of these two beautiful families.

Nomination Letter for the Carvers
by Stella Beaudoin

I would like to nominate my friend Maura Carver and her family for a DesignWish room makeover.  The Carvers live in a turn-of-the-century village home in Deep River.  Maura would love to update her house but the financial constraints of being a single mother will not allow it.  Although the walls may be in need of a coat of paint and the furniture is worn, the house overflows with love, happiness, hope and music.

It isn’t just for financial reasons I wish to nominate Maura, but because of her passion for helping others and teaching her children the same.  Maura, Cody and Grace have been volunteering in our community and beyond for some time.  Through involvement with their church (Deep River Congregational), they serve dinner at the Shoreline Soup Kitchen, serve home cooked meals at the Eddy Shelter in Middletown and have worked on various service projects at Kirtland Commons, the town’s elderly housing apartment building.  Last winter the Carvers worked with Midnight Run, a volunteer organization that brings food, clothing and human connection to the homeless street people of New York City.  Although it was bitterly cold and in the overnight hours of NYC in February, the Carvers have also left the comfort of home to help others in oppressive heat as well.  In July, Cody traveled with his church youth group to New Orleans to help with the rebuilding effort. With the team, Cody helped rebuild the houses of 3 families devastated by Katrina, learning real construction skills.  A week later, Maura and Grace traveled to the Dominican Republic as part of a medical mission team.  The team brought traveling medical clinics to destitute “bateyes,” sugar cane villages inhabited by Haitian cane cutters and their families.  Maura described stepping off the ramshackle school bus by which they traveled and feeling as though she had stepped into a “Save the Children” commercial.  Grace was the only teenager on the trip and earned the deep respect and admiration of the entire team for her compassion and determination to make a difference. Maura took on a second part-time job to pay for hers and Grace’s airfaire for this trip.

This July, Maura and children will travel to the Dominican Republic.  Mission work does not come cheap. Maura, Cody and Grace will raise $4,500 for the trip’s cost, leaving little left to redecorate the family room in their house.  Cody and Grace are both excellent students and extremely talented musicians. Maura would love to redo the space to accommodate a piano that has recently been given to the family.

People ask Maura why she feels compelled to give to others when her own bank account balance is so low. She answers by saying, she is a human being and if she were in need, her gift of giving will come full circle.  I would love for Maura, Cody and Grace to have something nice done for them. The Carvers have provided so many with happiness and hope. They have touched so many lives.

Nomination Letter for the Frosts
by Melissa Symonds-Alsback

The Frost family is amazing and it is all due to Mary Frost and her strength and resolve as a mother and wife.   Eric works in sales for a leading animal toys company and Mary is a real estate attorney.  Mary and Eric are the parents of Isabella, Ava and Cody.  Sweet Bella, 6, was born with Down’s syndrome and has undergone heart surgery as a toddler and numerous other procedures I’m not even aware of, all associated with her diagnosis. Ava is a wonderful protective 4 year old with great imagination and love of people, and Cody is their baby boy and will turn 2 in February.  A few months ago Cody began having fevers without cause and eventually seizures that lead to a stroke.  After multiple trips to various doctors here in CT and Boston, Cody was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder called Moyamoya disease.  This disease blocks the blood flow into his brain basically starving his brain of blood and oxygen. Without corrective surgery he would die.  The disease is progressive and deemed fatal without some sort of intervention. Cody had an aorta transplant in Boston and today is living with the disease.  One side of his circulatory system was repaired and now the family waits for the signs that the other side is failing.  They try not to live waiting for Cody to have a seizure and enjoy their lives with their children, but it is a daily thought that this could be the day Cody has a seizure or stroke.

Mary is a phenomenal mother who put her career on hold to stay at home with Bella, then Ava and now Cody.  In addition to taking care of her own children she frequently helps me out by taking care of both of mine whenever I need her.  She is the name on my daughter’s school form to call in an emergency if we are not available because she is that dependable and trustworthy.

They live modestly in a cute little bungalow/cottage type home in Deep River.  Having to pay a lot of their children’s medical expenses out of pocket and raising three children on one salary means home décor and style has been put aside.  When I read the call for nominations I immediately thought of Mary on her hands and knees sanding her kitchen cabinets in order to paint them cream colored to brighten up her kitchen.  She is so deserving of some style in her home – her living room/dining room area is simple and all about the kids and I believe that with professional help it could be beautiful and organized just the way Mary likes.  Mary has so much style, grace and inner beauty throughout the challenges with her children, of which two live with chronic medical conditions.  Please choose Mary to get this very deserving room makeover for she is most deserving.

A heartfelt thank you…

to all the caring individuals who took the time to nominate someone. It is so reassuring to know there are so many wonderful people thinking of those in need during this holiday season. We heard touching stories of several single moms struggling to provide for their children both financially and emotionally. We heard of men, women, and children faced with extreme challenges due to chronic illnesses or disease. We also heard stories of several giving individuals who are a constant source of strength and inspiration to their families and communities. It was a privilege to read the stories of these remarkable human beings. Thank you for taking the time to share with us.

CORPORATE: $5000 minimum donation in cash or goods.

• Key mention or photo in print publicity.
• Mention on sponsors and donors page under Corporate Sponsor Level on DesignWish website
• Link provided to corporate home page on sponsors and donors page of DesignWish website.
• Logo will appear on the DesignWish website.
• Mention in project program on Reveal Day.

SPONSOR: $1500 minimum donation in cash or goods.

• Mention on sponsors and donors page under Sponsor Level on DesignWish website
• Link provided to corporate home page on sponsors and donors page of DesignWish website.
• Logo will appear on the DesignWish website.
• Mention in project program on Reveal Day.

KEY DONOR: $750 – 1499 minimum donation in cash or goods.

• Mention on sponsors and donors page under Key Donor level on DesignWish website.
• Link provided to corporate home page on sponsors and donors page of DesignWish website
• Mention in project program on Reveal Day.

MERCHANT: $1 – $749 minimum donation in cash or goods.

• Mention on sponsors and donors page under Merchant level on DesignWish website.
• Mention in project program on Reveal Day.

In January 2008, the DesignWish team surprised the Piscitelli/Splain family with the news that they would be receiving a complimentary room makeover! Laina Piscitelli chose her living room for the makeover. See the slideshow below for BEFORE and AFTER photos.

The Piscitelli/Splain Family. Click to enlarge.

Pictured in photo are: back row l to r, Patty MacNeil, Lorrie Garriepy, (she nominated her friend, Laina) Lisa Leonardi and Kristen Wall. front row l to r, Erin, Erica and Emily Splain and homeowner Laina Piscitelli.

The DesignWish Team would like to thank last year’s sponsors and volunteers.

2008 DesignWish SPONSORS:

Madison Furniture Barn
Eileen Smith
Tanger Outlets at Westbrook
314 Flat Rock Pl # F110
Westbrook, CT 06498
(860) 399-7846

SpiritWolf Remodeling
Contact: Jeremy Burchard
Madison, CT
203-980-2972

Guilford Paint
Contact: John Cleary
688 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT
203-458-6633

Brandman’s Paint
Contact: Erik Gyllenstein
921 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT
800-894-6128

J. Renee…A Salon
Jannell Bianchi
25 North Main Street
Branford, CT
203-488-6407

Sachem Card & Party
Frame Shop
946 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT
203-453-5800

Westbrook Floor Covering
Russell Jensen
1275 Boston Post Road
Westbrook
860-399-6161

Lets’s Get Organized!
Julie Cousins
203-605-1238

2008 DesignWish VOLUNTEERS

Darrell Gladding
Ginny McParland
Carlos Oliveira
Sheri Kellaher
Jim Wall
Chris Bailey

Wish List for the Vincent Makeover

DesignWish is seeking donations for all or part of any of the following items:

• 48″ round table with leaf  ($300)
• New futon ($300)
• Round accent table ($75)
• Console cabinet with partially closed storage ($350)
• 1 table lamp/ 1 floor lamp ($50 each)
• Flatscreen TV, 42″ ($450)
• Laminate flooring, 450 sq. ft. ($1,000), underlayment ($125), installation.
• Recessed lighting: housings and trims ($250), 500 ft. 14-2 romex wire ($150), 250 ft. 12-2 romex ($80), dimmers and switches ($50).
• Paint ($150)
• Under counter refrigerator 24″ ($250)
• Coffee maker ($45)
• 8’x 10’ non slip rug pad ($95)
• Decorative accessories ($25 each)
• Fireplace screen & tools ($200)
• Printing services, small or large
• Custom framing services
• Painting(s) with a nature theme by shoreline artist(s) OR Clinton town scenes

Volunteers

We are seeking assistance the day of the makeover. If you are interested in volunteering your time, or your expertise, please email Julie at beancuz {at} hotmail(.)com.

Monetary Donations

In order to meet the needs of each deserving family, the DesignWish team is also seeking monetary donations. Please make checks payable to DesignWish at:
PO Box 1084
Madison, CT 06443

(Donations are not tax-deductible.)

Or email us at info {at} designwish(.)org

Or call us at: 203-464-5318

Or you can use the form below to contact us. Alternatively, you can visit our Designer Bios page for contact information for each member of the DesignWish team.

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