Andi Sklar is a mom from Westport, Connecticut. She loves helping kids and families. Andi Sklar started small in her local school group and grew to help big causes like children’s hospitals. Her story shows how one person can make real changes.
Many people look up to Andi Sklar for her hard work. She focuses on health issues for kids and supports families in need. In this article, we will look at her journey, her big wins, and why she keeps going.
Early Steps in Community Work
Andi Sklar began her giving back at a preschool in Westport. She chaired the committee at Temple Israel Early Childhood Center. There, she built better systems and got more parents involved.
She learned a key lesson: Invite people in a real way, and they will join. This helped her later in bigger projects. Andi Sklar saw that showing up matters most.
From there, she moved to PTA roles. PTA means Parent-Teacher Association. Many parents like Andi Sklar help schools this way. She used simple ideas to bring people together.
How Andi Sklar Involved Families Early On
Andi Sklar wanted kids to learn about helping others. She co-founded something called Angel-ade. This was with a group named Al’s Angels.
Al’s Angels helps families with serious illnesses. Angel-ade had kids run lemonade stands. Neighbors gave money. It was fun and taught giving.
Andi Sklar said it was not about being perfect. It was about making giving part of daily life. Families joined in. Kids felt proud.
This project showed Andi Sklar‘s skill at family-focused help. It raised money and built community bonds.
Rising to Bigger Causes: PinkAid and Breast Cancer Support
As her own kids got older, Andi Sklar took on more. She joined PinkAid. PinkAid helps women with breast cancer who need aid.
First, she was Auction Chair. Then, she became Event Chair. Under her lead, events raised over $1 million.
That is a huge amount! It helped many underserved patients. Andi Sklar planned events with care. She mixed fun, learning, and stories from survivors.
She made sure events honored people. Empathy was key. Andi Sklar kept dignity in mind.
Events had education too. People learned about breast cancer support. This work by Andi Sklar inspired many to give.
Key Wins with PinkAid
- Raised over $1 million for patients in need.
- Planned big luncheons and fashion shows.
- Brought survivors to share stories.
- Built trust with donors.
Andi Sklar proved events can do more than raise money. They unite people.
Focusing on Children’s Heart Health: Hearts in Harmony
Andi Sklar saw a need in her community. Some families faced Long QT Syndrome. This is a heart condition in kids. It can be deadly.
She teamed with friend Kira Greenfield. They started Hearts in Harmony. The goal: Raise awareness and funds for research.
They organized “Shake It for Shea.” This was a big event. It honored a local child with the condition.
Andi Sklar helped plan galas and golf outings like “Shank It for Shea.” Money went to research.
She normalized talks about kid heart health. People discussed it at schools and work.
Another project: “Check Your Beat.” This gave free EKGs to kids. EKGs check heart rhythms.
Andi Sklar worked with doctors. They partnered with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Early checks can save lives.
Why Long QT Syndrome Matters
Long QT Syndrome, or LQTS, causes dangerous heart rhythms. It affects kids suddenly. Screening helps find it early.
Andi Sklar pushes for genetic tests. She supports families with counseling too.
Her work educates doctors. More know how to spot it.
Andi Sklar‘s Role at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (H2)
Andi Sklar has a big part in helping Connecticut Children’s Medical Center grow. This is a top children’s hospital.
As a mom, she knows good kid care is vital. She started by networking. She told people about the hospital’s services.
Andi Sklar set up tours. Donors met doctors. They saw the real work.
Events she helps with raise funds. But they also build community. People feel connected to the cause.
Children’s hospitals need extra help. They cover costs for research and family aid. Andi Sklar bridges donors and needs.
She works with staff and board. From small gatherings to big tours.
Ways Andi Sklar Helps the Hospital
- Organize tours: Show services to community leaders.
- Host events: Mix networking and fundraising.
- Connect people: Link doctors, parents, and givers.
- Raise awareness: Talk about pediatric care gaps.
Her efforts make the hospital stronger. It serves more kids in Connecticut and beyond.
Lessons from Andi Sklar‘s Journey
Andi Sklar teaches simple but powerful ideas. You do not need to be famous to help. Start where you are.
She balances mom life and giving. Integrity matters. Do honest work, not perfect.
Andi Sklar says: Care enough to try. It does not have to be huge.
Many follow her example. Start a fundraiser. Volunteer time. Share stories.
Tips to Give Back Like Andi Sklar
- Start small: Join a school group or local cause.
- Involve family: Make helping fun for kids.
- Tell stories: People connect to real experiences.
- Build networks: Connect the right people.
- Show up: Be consistent.
These steps can lead to big impact.
Why Community Leaders Like Andi Sklar Matter
People like Andi Sklar build stronger towns. Westport values participation. She fits right in.
Her work touches health, education, and support. From PTA to hospital wings.
Andi Sklar empowers others. Doctors, parents, donors all join.
This creates lasting change. More kids get help. Families feel supported.
Statistics show community giving helps. Children’s hospitals rely on it for special programs.
Andi Sklar‘s over $1 million raised is one example. Many more lives touched.
More About Andi Sklar‘s Approach
Andi Sklar uses heart and planning. She vets groups carefully.
Family giving is big for her. Kids learn early.
She supports many causes. Children’s health is close.
Events she plans feel human. Not just numbers.
Andi Sklar stays humble. No big recognition needed.
Expanding Impact Beyond Local
Andi Sklar‘s work reaches past Westport. Funds help research nationwide.
Long QT efforts educate wider.
Connecticut Children’s serves many states.
Her model inspires others. Start local, grow big.
Quotes from Andi Sklar
“You can make a difference just by caring enough to try.”
“It doesn’t have to be huge. It just has to be honest.”
“Giving back could be part of everyday life.”
These words reassure anyone can start.
How to Get Involved in Similar Causes
Want to help like Andi Sklar?
- Find a local nonprofit.
- Offer time or skills.
- Host a small event.
- Share on social media.
- Connect with leaders.
Check groups like Al’s Angels or PinkAid.
For kid health, look at Connecticut Children’s.
In Conclusion
Andi Sklar shows passion plus action changes lives. From PTA starts to pediatric support, her path inspires.
She raised big funds. Built awareness. Supported families.
Andi Sklar proves one mom can do much. Her honest, caring way works.
We all can follow. Start today. Make your community better.
What cause calls to you? How might you start helping like Andi Sklar?
SEO Tags: Andi Sklar, community philanthropist, children’s health advocate, Westport CT volunteer, pediatric fundraising
References
- Sklar, Andi. “From the PTA to the Pediatric Wing: My Journey of Local Impact.” Medium, https://medium.com/@andisklar/from-the-pta-to-the-pediatric-wing-my-journey-of-local-impact-149eba8606a7
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisklar (Professional summary and experiences)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andisklar32/?hl=en (Personal and community insights)
- Various articles on her contributions to Connecticut Children’s, PinkAid, and Hearts in Harmony (2023-2025 sources)
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