Kathy and Peter Gogolak are the ultimate volunteer family with the energy, passion, enthusiasm, and generosity they share to promote inclusion, accessibility, and opportunities for all individuals in our community. As dedicated parents, and longtime supporters of STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way, they are ever-ready to be advocates, cheerleaders, and captains of an endless list of campaigns to support our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
With their son Tom, a resident of a STAR-managed group home--the Darien Cottage Kathy and Peter invest dozens of hours each year improving lives. From sponsoring personal fundraisers like paddle tennis tournaments, home presentations and shopping events with local merchants, they also are constantly opening new doors to funding and grant opportunities. Their efforts this past year have single-handedly linked STAR to major fundraising efforts that resulted in over $126,000 raised by cyclists through Italy to an $80k+ grant from The Darien Foundation that will create a local showcase for assistive technology for people with disabilities in the Darien Cottage.
Truly, Kathy and Peter are never more than a phone call or email away from helping STAR at a moment's notice. Their impact on STAR is immense and unmeasurable. Their respect, friendships, and connections in the Darien community are grand. STAR is honored to count the Gogolaks among our distinguished friends and volunteers who just don't know the word "No". For this, we celebrate them!
