Visit The Swim Online at www.swimacrossthesound.org.

Celebrity Breakfast: A Knock Out Success
Gerry Cooney, former heavyweight contender, knocked out the sold out audience February 1st at the St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound Celebrity Breakfast, sponsored for the second consecutive year by People's Bank.

At the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport, Cooney entertained more than 450 supporters with his boxing stories and jokes. A Cooney joke: "Jake LaMotta (former boxing champion) and I are the best of friends. There's nothing we wouldn't do for each other. For years, we've been doing nothing for each other." Bada bing.

Cooney also reminded the audience that the Swim was an outstanding organization that was doing important work in the community and deserved all the support they could give. The event raised more than $80,000 that will benefit cancer patients and their families.

Forty-five waiters/waitresses sponsored tables and invited guests for breakfast then tipped their servers. Cailan Rose Seavey of Fairfield, a junior at Fairfield Warde and Regional Arts Center, opened the event with the song, "A Bridge Over Troubled Waters."

At the event, Cooney drew the winning ticket for the Swim Car Raffle for a 2007 Pontiac Solstice sports car. Roslyn Reale of Bridgeport held the winning ticket, purchasing six and splitting them among her children. The response to the raffle was overwhelming with the Swim selling all 3,000 tickets. The fire engine red sports car was donated by Mario D'Addario Pontiac, Buick, Nissan, GMC, Cadillac and William B. Meyer, Inc.

Swim Kicks Off 20th Anniversary at the Sports Gala
Launching its 20th anniversary, St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound Sports Gala unveiled an all-star lineup of sports celebrities January 17th at Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven to benefit police, fire and EMS personnel and their families throughout the state, who are battling cancer.

Bobby Valentine, former Mets manager and manager of the Lotte Marines of Japan, was the MC for the evening. Along with him, former Yankees stars Bobby Richardson and Moose Skowron and original Met Ed Kranepool entertained a capacity crowd of more than 500 by talking baseball. George Grande, play-by-play celebrity for the Cincinnati Reds and Hamden resident, also shared some baseball stories.

The event started with a silent auction of sports memorabilia. The crowd also had a chance to mingle with the sports celebrities as they perused the memorabilia. Seth Rivera, a Bridgeport firefighter and long time Mets fan, was delighted to talk with Valentine (the former Mets manager) and Kranepool and get their autographs. "I was like a kid again, meeting players who were my boyhood idols. This was great and it supported a great cause," Rivera said. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield was the event sponsor the second consecutive year. The Sports Gala raised more than $100,000 that will help first responders throughout the state cope with their cancer.

The David Felner Caregiver Award was presented to a family and a 12-year old for their support and compassion for cancer patients. Felner, a former Stratford firefighter, passed away from cancer in 2002. The first award recipient James Tortora, known as J.C. collected $700 from friends, relatives and school mates at the Shelton Intermediate School to benefit a Shelton police officer battling pancreatic cancer.

The Gilloren Family of Seymour also received the award. Carsyn Gilloren, the daughter of Chris Gilloren, a Seymour police officer, was diagnosed with cancer in 2004. Her then 5-year-old sister, Avery, was a match as a bone marrow donor. The family spent three months in Boston while the transplant took place. Today, Carsyn is cancer free thanks to her sister and her entire family as well as the Dana Farber Center. Throughout the ordeal, the Gilloren family received support from friends, family members, police unions and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut. The Gillorens struggle illustrates how cancer can touch an entire family and how the family members were strong enough emotionally to beat the disease.

Richardson, a national leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, applauded the Swim for its support of cancer survivors. "The Swim is doing important work," he said. "I'm honored to be here to be part of it."

Porricelli's Market in Trumbull Supports the Swim
Genevieve Febbroriello, a Porricelli's cashier, believes in the personal touch in dealing with customers. She smiles, engages them in conversation and shows that she cares.

She also never misses the chance to ask customers if they would consider giving a donation to St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound. Most customers are more than willing.

For a donation, customers sign their names on paper blue fish that are hung in the front window of the market on White Plains Road in Trumbull. At the height of the Porricelli's campaign to support the Swim, about 2,500 fish were pasted in the front window, resembling a giant school of fish. Febbroriello received a Swim hat and Swiss Army watch for gathering the most donations.

"I ask for the donations because it's such a good cause," the Shelton resident said. "We've all been touched by cancer in our families. It really means something to me to help other cancer patients."

Ed Messina, Porricelli's Store Manager and Trumbull resident, values the relationship with the Swim, which he has seen help customers and friends. This is the fourth consecutive year that Porricelli's Market has sold the Swim "fish" to support the Swim, presenting the cancer charity with $2,500. In the last four years, Porricelli's has turned over more than $10,000.

"Cancer has touched us all in some way," Messina said. "I know how the Swim helps people; that's why we support it."

John Matthews, a Trumbull High School biology teacher, chairs the Swim "Fish Program, which raised more than $35,000 in 2006.

2006 St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound Volunteer of the Year: Roger Cox
If you had to describe the ideal volunteer, you would probably describe Roger Cox. He's always there to help out at St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound events and activities.

Often on short notice, he's willing to give up his free time to sell Swim fish at Bluefish games at Harbor Yard or Stop & Shop and Wal-Mart, hand out lunches at the Circus for Children with Cancer and Chronic Illnesses or help out at the annual Corn Maze at Plasko's Farm in Trumbull. It doesn't matter what the request, Roger pitches in.

An avid sports fan, Roger enjoys selling the fish at the ballpark. He approaches people with a sincere and honest approach to donate a dollar to the Swim that few can resist.

Roger, a UConn alumnus, enjoys watching Huskies basketball and the Pittsburgh University sports which his son, Brian attends. His oldest son, Kevin, is a programmer at People's Bank and a graduate student at Sacred Heart University.

Deborah Cox, Roger's wife of 26 years, describes her husband as a hard worker brimming with energy and a kind person who rarely has bad moods. Many fellow Swim volunteers who have worked alongside Roger have the same opinion. Roger, a Trumbull resident, never asks for any special treatment; he always asks what he can do for others. He is a very genuine, unpretentious person. Anyone who knows him understands that what you see is what you get, and what you get is always pleasant and upbeat.

He lost his daughter Kim to breast cancer in 2001. She received such outstanding and compassionate care at St. Vincent's Medical Center during her illness that Roger still holds a special place in his heart for the hospital. After her death, he attended the Swim Memorial Service that takes place every Sunday after the Swim Marathon at Captain's Cove. The service moved him so much; he decided to get involve with the Swim. It was a perfect match for him.

Despite a demanding schedule at Select Business Systems in Trumbull where he is a marketing manager, Roger always has time for his family and his volunteer work. Around the house, he works at the odd jobs to keep the household humming. Deborah says he's a terrific father to both sons and pitches in washing the dishes or cutting the lawn. As his children grew up, Roger has volunteered as a coach or an extra pair of hands for his kids' soccer or Little League teams and marching band.

Born and raised in Greenwich, Roger never asks for attention or special accolades, which makes him the ideal recipient for the Swim 2006 Volunteer of the Year. Touched directly by cancer, he knows the devastating affects of the disease. He volunteers for all the right reasons, most importantly giving back to those in need. For the last five years, Roger has worked tirelessly to help the Swim turn the tide against cancer.

Century 21 Greengarden Real Estate Sold on the Swim
Century 21 Greengarden Real Estate Inc. has pledged to rebate a $1,000 to St. Vincent's Medical Center employees or family members at closing who contract to either buy or sell their homes. In addition, Century 21 Greengarden Real Estate will donate $500 to the Swim in that person's name.

To list your home, contact John R. Hackett, owner/broker, at the Greengarden Real Estate office, 241 Monroe Turnpike, at 203-261-7653 or the Bridgeport office, 4942 Main Street, 203-374-0295. For more information, visit www.century21Greengarden.com.

Since 1982, Century 21 Greengarden Realty has become the company of choice for home buyers and sellers alike throughout Fairfield County. From its experienced, multi-lingual agents to its use of cutting-edge technology to unique family atmosphere, Greengarden Realty takes pride in providing clients with the highest level of service possible during their home purchase or sale.

Greengarden's exceptional dedication and professionalism is why it handles more transactions annually than any other company in Fairfield County. So before your next move, go to where the grass is always greener. Call Century 21 Greengarden Realty today and let the agency help make your next home purchase or sale a complete success. Real estate doesn't get any better than this."

Big Band Hits a High Note for the Swim
If ballroom dancing is making a comeback; it took a firm foothold at the Swim Across the Sound Big Band Dinner Dance Nov. 19th at the Circoli Sportivo Italo Americano Club, 2500 Park Avenue, Bridgeport.

About 150 dancers crowded the floor to the nostalgic sound of the Sonny Carroll Orchestra, which played all the favorites – "In the Mood," "Take the A Train," "Very Thought of You." Dancers also dined on a sumptuous buffet of chicken piccata, mista salad, pasta, bread, wine and Italian pastries from Luigi's Bakery of Bridgeport.

Salvatore C. DePiano, attorney and former state senator and accomplished musician, sponsored the orchestra and also set the pace on the dance floor. A dance instructor also taught the proper footwork for the Swing to dozens of willing dancers.

Partyers, who danced to benefit breast cancer patients and their families, raised more than $4,000 for the afternoon, which included proceeds from a silent auction. Barbara Massaro, City Attorney for Bridgeport, served as a co-chair for the event and helped organize the event.

Teen Supports the Swim With Benefit Rock Concert
Taylor Cote, daughter of long time supporter of Swim Across the Sound Helene Cote, recently raised $214 and donated the money to the foundation.

Taylor, a 15 year old student at Newtown High School, organized a concert at the Newtown Teen Center involving local bands during September with all of the proceeds were donated to The Swim.

"Taylor arranged for about five local bands to play at the concert and also contacted the Red Bull energy drink company to donate beverages," said mother, Helene.

Putting this event together on her own, Taylor was motivated by her mother who is an employee at Mitchells clothing store in Westport, which has staged charitable events to support the Swim for the last six years.

Mitchells will hold a fashion show this spring to benefit the Swim. "My daughter has always helped in putting together events for The Swim at Mitchell's. This time, she wanted to do something on her own," said Helene.

Charging $2 per ticket, the turnout at the concert was wonderful and Taylor was able to raise $214 all of which went to the foundation. "What really made me proud was that Taylor got her iPod stolen recently before the event.

Instead of using the money to buy a new iPod, she donated all of the money instead," said Helene.

Taylor demonstrated hard work and selflessness in organizing the concert to benefit cancer patienits and their families.

Free Oil Change with a Donation to the Swim
Every Wednesday, Brake Centers of America will provide free oil changes for anyone who donates $19.95 to Swim Across the Sound.

Donors will be given a "no charge" receipt for their vehicle maintenance records. Also, Swim supporters will receive a free membership to the Auto Maintenance Club, which provides members with discounts on their tire, brakes and auto maintenance needs.

The free oil change in exchange for a donation deal will take place on every Wednesday for the remainder of the year. All three Brake Centers of America stores will participate in the oil change special:

• 4315 Main Street, Bridgeport
• 1103 Barnum Avenue, Stratford
• 859 East Main Street, Stamford

All proceeds will benefit the Swim's 34 cancer education, screening and prevention programs. In 2006, Swim Across the Sound raised over $2,550,000 to aid 20,000 cancer patients and their families in Connecticut.

For more information about Swim Across the Sound, please call 203-576-5451 and for your every automotive need, please visit Brake Centers of America at www.BrakeCenters.com.

People's Bank Mortgage Dept. Supports St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound
A school of hundreds of paper fish have appeared on the People's Bank Mortgage Department wall.

The paper fish, part of St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound fundraising efforts, showed up through generosity of the People's Mortgage Department employees, who donated a minimum of $1 for each one to support the Swim. The department collected a total of $325 from employees in one month for the Swim.

It's a tradition among the 120 People's Mortgage Department employees to donate money to a designated charity on each "dress-down" Friday. The Mortgage Department rotates its support of several charities throughout the Greater Bridgeport area.

Judy Bonner, a People's Mortgage Department employee, nominated the Swim as the designated charity for August. Joanne Pelkey, Project Manager for the Mortgage Department, oversees "dress-down" Friday charity program oversaw the collection of the donations and helped paste the fish on the wall.

"We like the way all the paper blue fish look on the wall," Pelkey said. "They took over the whole wall. We enjoy supporting area charities, and we're happy to donate money to the Swim at Joan Bonner's request. External officers who work out of their homes and branch employees also sent in money as well as others outside the department."

Mark Your Calendar:

APRIL

April 14, 2007
The Pia Lauren Dinner/Dance at the Italian Center of Stamford

April 21 & 22, 2007
The 6th Annual Basketball Classic at Bunnell High School to benefit the Swim Teen SmokeStoppers Program

MAY

May 21, 2007
2nd Annual DiMatteo Family Golf Tournament at Woodbridge Country Club

May 22, 2007
6th Annual Swim Golf Tournament at Whitney Farms Golf Club

JUNE

June 10, 2007
Metro Parrot Head Club Concert featuring South Florida's Jim Morris the Big Bamboo Band playing the music Jimmy Buffet at Captain's Cove from 12:00 to 6:00 pm.

June 22 & 24, 2007
WICC Radiothon

JULY

July 30, 2007
The 16th Annual St. Vincent's Foundation Golf Tournament at Race Brook Country Club in Orange.
 

AUGUST

August 4, 2007
SWIM DAY featuring about 200 swimmers who will swim 15 miles from Port Jefferson, LI to Captain's Cove in Bridgeport. Festivities start at noon.

August 5, 2007
The SWIM Memorial Service at Captain's Cove, an ecumenical service to remember those who have passed from cancer, on the Cove dock, starting at 8:30 a.m.

SEPTEMBER

September 8 , 2007
Port Jefferson Sunset Sail

Shop At the Swim Online Store
Do your gift shopping at the Swim Store. Click here to visit the Swim Online Store and peruse all the great items. All purchases benefit the 34 Swim cancer education, screening, prevention, and support groups.

Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk
The Swim welcomes new volunteers who want to make a difference in their community and the lives of cancer patients. All you need is compassion. To volunteer, call St. Vincent's Foundation - 576-5451 or visit the Swim website, www.swimacrossthesound.org.

Remember the Swim
Of all the worthwhile causes, few meet the work the Swim does in helping others. There are many ways to help the Swim:

• Donate to Swim events;
• Participate in Swim events;
• Name the Swim in your will;
• Donate a planned income gift;
• Volunteer;
• Run your own Swim fundraiser.

For more information, call the Swim Foundation at 203-576-5451.

St. Vincent's Medical Center's Swim Across the Sound is turning the tide against cancer.

The Swim has a unique mission to help cancer patients in need. The Swim raised $2.5 million in 2006 and helped 20,000 cancer survivors and their families throughout Southern Connecticut.

This is not a research program, but a charitable foundation dedicated to helping people on a case-by-case basis. The Swim has grown into a series of year-round activities focused on raising funds to underwrite 35 cancer education, screening and support group programs.