Joe and Judy Zaprzalka Family Fund

They say family is like the branches on a tree - each growing and expanding in different directions but its roots remain the same. For the Zaprzalka family, their roots are firmly grounded in the Valley.

Joe and Judy Zaprzalka were born and raised in Derby, attended Derby High School and moved to Shelton in the 50s to start their family. Judy was a homemaker while her children were young and later worked outside their home. Joe worked in and later owned a printing business and was a volunteer firefighter at Echo Hose during the 60's. He was also was a lifelong member of the Highland Golf Club where he served on its Board and socialized over the game he loved to play.

Both Joe and Judy were dedicated to their children and families. They loved the Valley and often helped wherever or however they could, and would frequently remind their children of the importance of supporting their community.

As their children Michael, Thomas, John and Susan grew, so did the family's involvement in the Valley community.

"My brothers and I have been and will continue to be involved with Valley charities," Susan said. "We all learned how to swim at The Recreation Camp and were members of the Boys & Girls Club. Now, as adults, we serve on the boards of many of the organizations that made an impact on our lives growing up."

The Zaprzalka family had been considering setting up a fund for a number of years, and was particularly familiar with VCF through its support of organizations in which they volunteer.

"We created the Joe and Judy Zaprzalka Family Fund to support Valley nonprofits that have been so special to us," said Tom. "This endowed donor advised fund is a way to honor our parents and the community-minded, philanthropic values they instilled in us. Since all of our children will eventually have a say in which charities will benefit from the Fund, we hope they, too, will learn that giving back is important, feels great and really does make a difference."