Near & Far Aid Designer Q&A Series: Rich Pinto Design   What inspired you to make the leap from the Automotive Industry to Interior Design, and how did your experience there prepare you for your career today? Design has always fascinated me since a young age. Good design, regardless of genre (cars, homes, structures, product), all follow the same fundamental rules. My educational focus on art history and design, coupled with my work in automotive design, has given me a unique tool set to approach projects. How would you describe your design style?  While I do naturally gravitate toward more modern and midcentury aesthetics, at the core of my design style I focus on objects and spaces that pay careful attention to relationships of scale and proportion of elements, and their use of color, material and texture in harmony with their scale and proportions.   What was your biggest challenge in renovating the Captain John Osborne House (the oldest home in Fairfield)?  Renovating the Osborne house presented a lot of challenges, but I think the unifying theme with any challenge faced was determining the line with how far to go when approaching any aspect of the renovation. Restoring the fireplaces, how much work should be done before they […] Read More

Near & Far Aid announced its 2018 Designer House Tour will feature six spectacular homes throughout Fairfield, Southport and Westport. New this year is a Champagne Brunch at The Patterson Club featuring an interactive presentation from award-winning architect Greg Tankersley of McAlpine in New York. The 2018 Designer House Tour will help kick off Mother’s Day Weekend and will be held on Friday, May 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for the Designer House Tour cost $65 if purchased in advance ($75 at the door), while tickets to the Champagne Brunch are priced at $75. Patrons may also purchase both tickets in advance for $125. 2018 Designer House Tour Offers Something For Everyone In the months leading up to the House Tour, Near & Far Aid’s all-volunteer committee carefully curates a selection of unique properties to ensure that no two homes are alike. The six homes on this year’s tour have been recently reimagined by local designers and architects, many of which are are the designer’s own home. “This year’s tour showcases architectural and design trends that can be appreciated by everyone,” said Jen Agne, co-chair of the 2018 Near & Far Aid Designer House Tour and Fairfield resident. “Patrons can expect antique homes, new construction dazzlers, […] Read More

Check your calendars and talk with friends and family; it is nearly time to bid at Near & Far Aid’s Live Auction on March 2, 2018.  As always, our auction features several amazing travel opportunities and unique experiences that will surely intrigue and inspire.  Take a sneak peak at five of our live auction offerings below. Remember, you must be present to bid at the Live Auction so buy your tickets today!  PURCHASE TICKETS HERE SURF’S UP COSTA RICA! Sunshine and surf are unlimited on this 5 night vacation package for 4 people in Nosara, Costa Rica.  Enjoy a luxury suite at the sustainable, boutique Olas Verdes Hotel, known for its outstanding service.  Your stay will include transportation from Liberia, daily breakfast, nightly dinners and a choice of daily yoga, massage, horseback or mountain bike riding, and of course, surfing.  Safari Surf School invites you to ride the waves with them at your daily 90-minute private surfing lesson. You will be taking off on the clean waves and hanging loose with the local pros by the end of your stay! Valid dates: May 1st to June 30th, August 18 – November 15, 2018 Retail Value: $7,800 / Safari Surf School, Olas Verdes Hotel BIG SKIES & BIGGER ADVENTURES […] Read More

Near & Far Aid, a fundraising and fund-granting organization with more than 60 years of history in the community, held their annual meeting September 18, 2017.  Key points of business included granting budgets, transfer of presidential power and election of new members to the Board of Directors.  For the fiscal year concluding August 31, Near & Far Aid granted $1,172,500 to 107 agencies throughout Fairfield County who meet the organization’s mission of targeting poverty and changing lives.  The agency fielded more than 150 grant requests this past year and anticipate inquiries to increase in coming years as state budgets continue to contract.  As a funder, Near & Far Aid works with grantees advising them on issues of financial security and sustainable growth, connecting agencies when prudent in order to eliminate redundancies and ensure constituencies’ needs are still met.  The changing landscape of budgetary constraints proves to be a challenge for all but Near & Far Aid remains committed to finding and funding the best agencies and programs with proven results that will effect lasting change. Outgoing President Joan Panagos passed the gavel to incoming President Kim Meier. Of her time as President Panagos remarked, “The most rewarding experience of my term was my involvement with the agencies we […] Read More