Get glammed up for a great cause and join us on Friday, March 1st for this year’s Modern Ball. The fun-filled evening features spectacular live, silent and wine & spirits auctions, dinner, dancing and a ready-to-wear spring fashion runway show curated by our hosts, Mitchells in Westport.  This can’t-miss event is a key component of our fundraising efforts, which grants $1Million to programs and agencies serving our local community in the fight against poverty. Learn more and buy tickets at https://nearandfaraid.org/event/modern-ball/  Our silent auction has never looked better! We’re grateful to the local merchants and generous friends of Near & Far Aid who have donated.   This year’s auction includes sought-after experiences including: ·      Sports tickets including premium seats and access at Patriots, Yankee, Red Sox, Mets and Knicks games ·      Private home in Nantucket ·      Food Truck Parties  ·      Art Basel VIP experience with access to exclusive parties  ·      Exclusive foodie experience with award-winning chef, Matt Storch ·      Fashion experience with brands including Veronica Beard  ·      Private lessons with former MLB pitcher, Carl Pavano  Stay tuned for our LIVE auction preview, coming soon! Read More

Near & Far Aid Makes Million Dollar Impact on Poverty At Monday’s Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, Treasurer Paige Fairbaugh announced a final grant total of $1,151,500 for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2018.  Recipients include 106 of the county’s most effective agencies serving the impoverished and working poor.  “Our granting guidelines and mission are designed to fund the programs that can make the biggest impact on the lives of individuals and families who struggle to make ends meet in Fairfield County, home to one of the largest income gaps in the nation,” said Joan Panagos, Chairman of Grant Reviews. Of the 106 agencies receiving funds from Near & Far Aid, 46% service Bridgeport where the largest population of under-served individuals reside in the county.  Stamford and Norwalk follow closely receiving 16% and 14% of grants, respectively. Funds are directed across the spectrum of poverty to assist families and individuals at risk or in crisis, educational opportunities for children and adults, job training and community health efforts. With an eye toward the upcoming year, President Kim Meier encouraged board members to renew their commitment to the large volunteer base on which the organization depends.  “Embrace and empower this talented force of volunteers,” she urged. “Our volunteers are […] Read More

Near & Far Aid Designer Q&A Series:  t h e  m a r a i s   While you didn’t begin your career in design, you are clearly both incredibly talented! Tell us a bit about how/why you decided to make the switch from life in corporate America to collaborate together in the interior design world. First of all, thank you so much for paying such a nice compliment. It means the world to us. To answer your question, in a nutshell, we both started families soon after leaving our former positions as a lawyer and as a c-suite executive. We had different journeys in the years proceeding and after our babies’ births, but our postpartum search was identical. As forever changed women, we wanted a leading role in the day to day responsibilities for our children, but we also wanted a career. The never ending debacle. No doubt, we were looking for more than a hobby, a friend or busy work. We both wanted to build something. Today, that is exactly what we are doing together. Our vision stretches far. Hopefully, our process gives like-minded women a forum for empathy, camaraderie and inspiration. How would you describe your design esthetic? The Marais is a casual, collected and seriously cool lifestyle brand. Curating a collection of home furnishings that blends clean lines of Scandinavian design with natural beauties reminiscent […] Read More

Near & Far Aid Designer Q&A Series with Denise Davies, Founder & CEO, D2 Interieurs   How you would describe your design style? In our seven years of doing business, we have developed a niche by moving young families from New York City to the suburbs. We create environments that are fresh, modern, livable and current. With that being said, we do work with clients of all different backgrounds; for example, we were hired to completely renovate and decorate this midcentury modern house, which is owned by couple who live in NYC and use this home as their weekend getaway. All of our work is carefully tailored to suit each client, using influences of European design and a mix of eclectic styles from around the world. We really work hard to give each client a unique home and I do not use the same things twice. I would say our style is fusing modern sophistication, timeless style and a dash of rock and roll attitude. D2 projects are easily identifiable (for fans!) thanks to your love of color and playful pattern. Is there a color palette you would consider a D2 signature? We don’t have a signature color palette per se, color is a very tricky thing to get right. […] Read More