More than 1,000 people came out on Thursday, March 17 to take part in “An Evening of Appreciation” at the Stamford Crowne Plaza – an evening honoring the 300 volunteers of the Friendship Circle of Fairfield County, a local Jewish organization that pairs teenage volunteers with children with special needs for fun and friendship.

At the event David Wayne, who has Cerebral Palsy, was named the Friendship Circle’s incoming chairman of the board. The 27-year-old first began volunteering for the Friendship Circle while in high school. He reconnected with the organization two years ago, and brings to his new position a unique understanding of the struggles of these special children.

To ensure that the Friendship Circle continues its mission in the years to come, “we must tap into the next generation, and cultivate a community that continues to be engaged with the Friendship Circle in terms of volunteering and support,” says Wayne.

For more information on the Friendship Circle visit www.friendshipct.com.

CAP: Teen volunteers to The Friendship Circle CT gather for a group photo on Thursday, March 17th.