Press Release

Ridgefield Bank Named Lead Sponsor of Kinderwood  Designer Showcase

June, 2005 - Ridgefield Bank has been named as the lead sponsor of the Kinderwood Designer Showhouse, a charity fundraising project that will benefit Green Chimneys’ Good Friend mentoring program. The announcement was made today by Joseph Whalen, executive director of Green Chimneys.

Scheduled to begin September 27 and run through October 23, the Kinderwood Designer Showhouse is a 23-room luxury home located in Ridgefield, CT. The Showhouse will feature the work of many of the area’s top designers and showcase the latest trends in interior design. The Showhouse will be open for tours and a number of renowned designers and lifestyle trendsetters will have featured presentations.

The Showhouse is currently under construction by two well-known local builders, Joe Fossi of Pelham Homes and Reed Whipple of Heritage Homes, both of Ridgefield. The architect for the project is Doug MacMillan of MacMillan Architects, a Ridgefield firm. Construction financing is provided by Ridgefield Bank.

The Showhouse is the brainchild of Joanne Threlfall of Ridgefield, a long-time volunteer with Good Friend and a supporter of Green Chimneys who serves on the agency’s board of directors. Good Friend is located in Danbury and supports the needs of children in the Fairfield County Area.

Gary Smith, President and CEO of Ridgefield Bank said, “I think this is a terrific idea. Here in Ridgefield we have the partnering of well-known builders, such as Joe Fossi and Reed Whipple, architect Doug Macmillan and Ridgefield Bank, all for the benefit of Good Friend. We know this will be a successful event.”

Founded in 1947, Green Chimneys is the nationally renowned, non-profit, children's therapeutic agency and special education school recognized as the leader in restoring possibilities for the metropolitan New York area's emotionally, behaviorally and learning challenged. Recognized as a worldwide leader in animal-assisted therapy, Green Chimneys helps give children a chance for a bright future through specialized treatment and educational and recreational services. Each year, Green Chimneys’ approach to restoration gives thousands of children and their families the tools that enable them to positively experience their youth, regain a sense of self-worth and create hope for the future as independent, positive and productive adults.