CaringKind, an Alzheimer's and dementia care organization, raised close to $200,000 at its inaugural Hope Blooms event on May 14 at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport, marking the organization's expansion into Connecticut.

The event brought together community leaders, philanthropists, sponsors, and families affected by dementia. The evening honored Roni Lang and Maureen Matthews with the Seeds of Compassion Award for their commitment to families affected by dementia, and featured Chuck Presbury, who spoke about his family's experience with CaringKind's services. Hope Blooms was co-chaired by Jeffrey Ruden of Fieldpoint Private Banking and Christopher J. Lara of Febbraio Commercial.

"The success of Hope Blooms now helps fuel CaringKind's next chapter of impact across Connecticut," said Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, President and CEO of CaringKind. "This support allows us to expand a broader community model that connects care, science, and engagement. It strengthens the care consultations and support groups families rely on today while helping us scale innovative programs like CST, Partnering Together, and Awen into communities across the state. Through Hope Blooms, we are building a future where caregivers, people living with dementia, healthcare partners, and communities are connected through compassionate, evidence informed support, ensuring no family has to navigate dementia alone."

The inaugural campaign also included the CaringKind Hope Blooms Walk, held May 3 at McDougall Stadium in Trumbull, which raised an additional $11,000.

"Hope Blooms began with a simple conviction: when a community comes together, real support follows," said Jeffrey Ruden, Co-Chair of Hope Blooms. "Raising $200,000 in a first-year event is extraordinary, and it tells me Connecticut is ready to stand with CaringKind to bring care, education, and connection to every family touched by Alzheimer's and related dementias."

Funds raised will support CaringKind's 24/7 Helpline, dementia consultations, support groups, education seminars, and life-enhancing engagement programs, including Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Partnering Together support groups, music programming through The Unforgettables, and horticultural therapy with AWEN. Founded in 1978, CaringKind has spent nearly 50 years providing support and resources to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.