Festivities Foundation in Norwalk: "Passing on the Love"

Rosinne Chlala brims with enthusiasm about her "Pass on the Love" project in Norwalk. The project, which is part of her Festivities Foundation, is one part recycling, one part retailing, and one part fundraising.

Through donations of party accessories to the retail stall at SoNo Marketplace, Chlala's non-profit organization raises money for programs that provide services to survivors of domestic violence and their families.

Chlala who is co-owner of a special event and catering company in Norwalk called Festivities, operates the "Pass on the Love" project with a model similar to that of a high-end consignment shop, except that all items are donated.

Pass on the Love accepts donations of gently used items from weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, anniversary parties, birthdays, corporate events and any other event which may have unwanted items afterward.

With donated space at the weekend market at SoNo Marketplace, and volunteer staff, Chlala re-sells fancy platters, votives, candlesticks, glassware--all the staples of a successful party.

Proceeds go to the Center for Women and Family in Bridgeport which serves six towns. 

"When people plan a celebration they buy things for the party and afterward don't need them any more. So they can bring them here," Chlala said. "We sell them and all the profits go to our recipient agencies."

 
Chlala, who describes her merchandise as "a curated collection," said, "We accept linens, glassware, platters... The goal is to make it an online store. The theme is hospitality and the universality of celebrating and creating traditions."

Find the Pass On The Love stall at SoNo Marketplace at 314 Wilson Ave in Norwalk. Tel: (203) 838-0719

Find Pass on the Love's website at wepassonthelove.org Contact Chlala at Rosinne.Chlala@festivitiesevents.com or call (203) 847-7774.