Wilton Bulletin
Parents enjoy a night out at Trackside teen center benefit

Mar 25, 2008

Trackside%u2019s President Marianne Wilson, Vice President Nate Shipp and Director Marissa Mangone talk at Saturday night%u2019s St. Patrick%u2019s Day fund-raiser. %u2014Justin Reynolds photo

More than 100 people strapped on their dancing shoes and headed to Trackside on Saturday night, taking over the teen center usually reserved for their kids.

Trackside held its largest fund-raising event of the year, the St. Paddy’s Day Parents’ Night Out, raising roughly $17,000, according to Marissa Mangone, director of Trackside. All of the money raised will help cover Trackside’s operating expenses.

The event featured live music from the Blue Steam Band, live and silent auctions and catering by Marianne Wilson’s Complete Catering.

“This is a great turnout and I’m so thankful for the continued support of the Wilton community,” Ms. Mangone said. “We sold 80 tickets before and had at least 25 pay at the door.”

Tickets sold in advance for $60, and sold for $70 at the door.

“I thought it sounded like a fun event, supporting a great cause,” said Loury McCabe, mother of four.

Many Wilton businesses also donated items that were auctioned off during the event. Some of the donations included a bagel a day for a month at Connecticut Coffee & Grill, five yards of mulch from Gregory Sawmill and a slew of autographed photos donated from University Archives, ranging from Yogi Berra to Farrah Fawcett.

“I think it’s the most important thing we can do for our kids and our community as a vehicle to provide this haven,” said John Reznikoff, a member of Trackside’s board of directors and president of University Archives.

“Our board of directors really stepped up to the plate,” Ms. Mangone said of their help in obtaining donated auction items.

Ms. Mangone said she took comfort in the fact Wiltonians continued to be active in supporting the teen center.

“Having been here a little over two years, I really see a difference,” Ms. Mangone said of increased support from the community. “When I have 400 kids at a show or two kids after school, it’s still amazing to see because this place is here for them.”

Ms. Wilson, president of Trackside, said she’s happy to have found Ms. Mangone, who she feels is the right person to run the teen center.

“She’s my rockstar,” Ms. Wilson said. “This is the fourth teen center I’ve been involved in, and I want to see us succeed.”

“She’s my mentor,” Ms. Mangone said of Ms. Wilson.

Ms. Mangone said when she accepted the job she didn’t expect to be putting in 65 hours a week, but when she sees the changes taking place, she feels her time has been well invested.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it and I like it,” Ms. Mangone said. “But the only way it’s going to continue to succeed is the kids making this what they want it to be. I’m only here to guide them.”

Ms. Mangone said anyone interested in helping Trackside may visit its Web site at trackside.org or call the facility at 834-2888.

Trackside’s next fund-raiser will be held on the Fourth of July.

The event was also sponsored by GE, Mills and Mills Insurance, Paul’s Prosperous Printing, Stefano’s Pizza, Wilton Bank and Ring’s End Lumber.

© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers