Note: unfortunately, I lost the ability to livestream to meetings from Zoom Wednesday morning. I’ve had to cancel three scheduled interviews (Ansonia police, Massaro Farm, and Spooner House). The remaining interviews will be recorded, downloaded, and then uploaded to YouTube, a time-consuming process.
The Valley Indy uses The Great Give for its annual reader drive. The goal is to raise $10,000 in 36 hours. Donate.ValleyIndy.org to support the cause.
In addition, The Valley Indy’s Facebook page will be used to stream a series of (live) video interviews during The Great Give featuring Valley nonprofit leaders and local newsmakers.
The Valley Indy Great Give interviews are scheduled for the top of every hour from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Tuesday, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Live, From My Basement
I’ll be conducting/producing/streaming the videos by myself, from the ‘Derby bureau,’ also known as my dusty basement. I will attempt to post the videos on ValleyIndy.org as well, but it’s going to be difficult given the sheer volume of interviews and lack of time between interviews. So your best bet is to go to Facebook.com/ValleyIndependentSentinel.
The public is, of course, invited to pose questions on Facebook during each interview as it happens. I will need the help!
Each interview will be between 15 and 30 minutes, by the way.
The Schedule
Here is the schedule, plus a few incentives for donors.
TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021
8 a.m.
The Great Give starts, and so does The Valley Indy Great Give Livestream!
One of the Valley Indy’s ‘advance donors’ (donated between April 23 and 7:59 a.m. May 4) will win a $50 gift certificate to Koi in Ansonia.
The winner will be announced live between 8 and 8:30 a.m.
Early Bird: $1,000 to the Valley organization randomly drawn from those that receive at least one gift between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on May 4; awarded by The Valley Community Foundation
9 a.m.
Valley Shakespeare Festival
10 a.m.
The WorkPlace
11 a.m.
TEAM, Inc.
12 p.m.
Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan and Chief of Staff Andrew Baklik
Anyone who donates at least $50 between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. has the chance to win a $50 gift card to The Dew Drop Inn.
The Valley Indy will announce the winner Thursday because there’s not enough time during The Great Give!
Lunch Hour: $1,000 awarded to two organizations randomly drawn from those that receive at least one gift between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on May 4
1 p.m.
Ansonia Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph DiBacco
2 p.m.
Valley Arts Council
3 p.m.
Derby Storm Ambulance
4 p.m.
To be announced
5 p.m.
Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis AND A SURPRISE GUEST.
Anyone who donates at least $50 to Donate.ValleyIndy.org between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. has the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Zois in Seymour.
May the Fourth Be With You $250 to a Valley organization randomly drawn from those that receive at least one gift between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on May 4; awarded by The Valley Community Foundation
6 p.m.
Valley United Way
7 p.m.
Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti, Sheila O’Malley & John Marini
Anyone who donates at least $50 between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. has the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Copper City Bar & Grill. Winners announced Thursday.
8 p.m
CT Cult Classics/Sci-Fi at The Strand/Ansonia Drive-In Movies
Anyone who donates $50 between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. has the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Crave in Ansonia.
9 p.m.
The Dew Drop Inn
10 p.m.
OG Valley Indy reader Chris Bowen
Anyone who donates any amount between 10 p.m. and 12 a.m. has the chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Valley Burger Shack
11 p.m.
Special Effects Makeup Brian Spears, Mondo Creepy, Music, Movies & More Podcast
11:59 p.m. Midnight Snack Prize – $500 added to the gift made closest to 12 a.m. on May 5
WEDNESDAY, MAY 5
8 a.m.
Early Bird: $1,000 to the Valley organization randomly drawn from those that receive at least one gift between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on May 5; awarded by The Valley Community Foundation
9 a.m.
Anyone who donates any amount between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m has the chance to win a $25 gift certificate to The Valley Burger Shack on Route 115 in Seymour.
10 a.m.
Adam’s House
11 a.m.
Assumption School
12 p.m.
Spooner House (postponed)
1 p.m.
Massaro Community Farm (postponed)
2 p.m.
Derby athletics community service
3 p.m.
Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch (postponed)
4 p.m.
Jim Gildea and Joseph Jaumann
5 p.m.
Derby Running Club
6 p.m.
State. Rep. Kara Rochelle
7 p.m.
NVCOG’s Rick Dunne and Seymour’s Kurt Miller
8 p.m.
The event ends!
