NCHS Graduate Receives Community Impact Award, Makes Grant to China Care

The New Canaan Community Foundation is pleased to announce that recent NCHS graduate Kit Clemente won the 2013 Community Impact Award.  This honor is given annually to a graduating senior selected by New Canaan High School faculty and staff, based on the following criteria: a student with a history of volunteerism on behalf of non-profit organizations, whose volunteer service to the community has made a significant difference in the lives of others; a student who believes that community service can be a means to improve our community for all residents. 

Miss Clemente’s exemplary dedication to volunteer work has earned her this special acknowledgment and the ability to name a non-profit organization to receive a grant of $500 from the Foundation in her honor.  She selected China Care Foundation, a Westport based charity that along with Half the Sky Foundation, operates a medical home in China to care for medically fragile orphaned children.   China Care Foundation was started by Matthew Dalio at the age of 16 to offer orphaned children with special needs a brighter future. As a Harvard student, Matt realized he wanted other young people to experience the same sense of empowerment that he had discovered; that a little work and dedication could forever change a child’s life. Today there are China Care Clubs at high schools and colleges across North America that dedicate their time and hard work to benefit these children in need.

Miss Clemente has been involved with the NCHS China Care Club since the club started in 2011, working to raise funds and awareness to support the work of the China Care Foundation.  According to Katerina Coutsouradis, Youth Programs Coordinator for China Care, “To date the NCHS club has raised $1,300 and sponsored four children in China who were in need of life saving surgeries.   We are so grateful for their dedication to our efforts.”

According to Mrs. Gorey, “Part of the role that the Community Foundation plays is our area is that of a philanthropy broker - we connect philanthropic resources to great causes that residents are passionate about.   This local and global collaborative effort is what makes the Foundation unique.”  Miss Clemente was articulate in her appreciation for this recognition, saying “This award is about so much more than earning good grades at school; it shows that volunteering can really make a difference in people’s lives.  It means so much to me to receive this special recognition.”