Pictured presenting the check are from L-R Chris Kitchings, co–owner of The Bowerbird; Shaun Raymond Formica, Director of Heart Walk Founders Affiliate; and Jennifer Torgersen, co–owner of The Bowerbird.

The Bowerbird in Old Lyme recently wrapped up their 2010 gift-wrapping campaign to raise funds for the American Heart Association. The organization was presented with a check in the amount of $4,161.00 representing 2,795 packages wrapped. The Bowerbird charges a nominal fee for gift-wrapping purchases and donates 50% to local
non-profit organizations.

In the past seventeen years, The Bowerbird has donated over $54,000.00 to 23 local non-profits.

The Bowerbird has selected the CTFEAT, Connecticut Families for Effective Autism Treatment as the recipient of the proceeds from their 2011 gift-wrap program. The program runs from November 1, 2010 through October 31, 2011.

Please keep reading for a complete list of past recipients.

• 2009-'10 American Heart Association.
  $4,161.00    2,795 packages

• 2008-'09 Child & Family Agency of Southeastern CT.
  $4,302.00    2,940 packages

• 2007-'08 Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation.
  $5,307.00    3,481 packages

• 2006-'07 Estuary Council of Seniors based in Old Saybrook and the Alzheimer Association Connecticut Chapter Charter Oak Chapter of the American Red Cross.
  $5,638.00    3,675 packages

• 2005-'06 Charter Oak Chapter of the American Red Cross.
  $4,171.00    4,153 packages

• 2004-'05 Old Lyme Affordable Housing and Habitat for Humanity Of Southeastern CT.
  $4,354.00    4,302 packages

• 2003-'04 Connecticut Forest and Park Association and Old Lyme Conservation Trust
  $3,984.00    3,936 packages

• 2002-'03 Visiting Nurse Association Inc. Old Lyme
  $3,905.00    3,872 packages

• 2001-'02 Lyme Fire Department and Old Lyme Fire Department
  $4,486.00    4,427 packages

• 2000-'01 Literacy Volunteers of America Valley Shore and New London Chapters
  $2,378.00    4,905 packages

• 1999-'00 Pet Connections, Inc.
  $2,820.00    5,357 packages

• 1998-'99 Shoreline Soup Kitchen
  $2,388.00    4,734 packages

• 1997-'98 Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut
  $1,412.89    5,153 packages

• 1996-'97 High Hopes, Therapeutic Riding
  $1,172.00    4,178 packages

• 1995-'96 Lymes' Youth Service Bureau and Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center
  $1,139.00    4,065 packages

• 1994-'95 Lyme Senior Center
  $725    2,880 packages

• 1993-'94 Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library – Old Lyme
  $495.00    1,000 packages