Grassroots is a nonprofit organization that combines high-quality tennis instruction with leadership development, social emotional learning, college and career readiness and academic enrichment for low income youth in both Norwalk and Stamford. The fundraiser will benefit the program’s youths.
Saldivar brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, most recently serving as the marketing and communications director at Literacy How, a Trumbull-based organization focused on closing the opportunity gap in reading.
“Michelle’s successful record in nonprofits committed to supporting underserved populations makes her an excellent fit for delivering on our mission and long-term strategic vision for transforming the lives of pregnant and parenting mothers and their children,” Michael O’Rourke, acting Chair of Malta House’s Board of Directors, said in a news release. “Her experience in vocational training and literacy will be especially valuable in educating moms on workforce readiness.”
“It is a privilege and a career highlight to join the leadership team at Malta House,” Saldivar said in the release. “I look forward to leveraging my skills in non-profit management to help further Malta House’s important work and to ensure that it remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for the mothers and children we serve.”
R&B artist Chanté Moore will headline the evening. Moore has sold more than 10 million albums and was featured on the Isley Brothers song “Contagious,” which earned a 2002 Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
This year’s benefit will honor Thasunda Brown Duckett, president and CEO of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America-College Retirement Equities Fund, who was named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2024” and recently ranked No. 34 on Forbes’ 2024 list of “The World’s Most Powerful Women.”
“We are excited and honored to welcome Chanté Moore and Thasunda Brown Duckett to Rising Together,” P2P CEO Nancy Coughlin said in a news release. “Their participation, alongside so many other incredible supporters, will make this a night to remember and help us continue our vital work of providing essential resources to families and individuals working toward stability.”
“As co-chair of this incredible event, I’m thrilled to bring our community together for an evening of celebration and impact,” Baldwin said in the release. “Rising Together is not just a fundraiser; it’s an opportunity to showcase the transformative work of P2P and the collective power of our supporters. I can’t wait to share this unforgettable night with everyone who believes in making a difference.”…Read more by Staff Writer, Mollie Hersh