Purple Thursday
Purple Thursday is observed on the third Thursday of October to honor victims of domestic violence and show survivors that they are not alone.
Purple Thursday is observed on the third Thursday of October to honor victims of domestic violence and show survivors that they are not alone.
Join Project SAGE this Purple Thursday, October 16, in raising awareness! Wear purple, take a photo, post it to your social media, and tag Project SAGE.
The 2026 Project SAGE Annual Guide is Growing
Every year, we share information about Project SAGE, highlight local businesses, and celebrate our signature event, Trade Secrets. The guide reaches thousands of readers.
Our Annual Guide is more than a publication — it’s a resource for our community. Every year, we share information about Project SAGE, highlight local businesses, and celebrate our signature event, Trade Secrets. The guide reaches thousands of readers across the region and beyond, while building awareness and strengthening connections.
Next year’s guide will feature:
Domestic Violence Resources — empowering our community to help prevent violence.
Community Highlights — places to go, things to do, and local gems worth exploring.
Trade Secrets Features — celebrating our premier rare plants and garden antiques event with a behind-the-scenes peek.
By becoming a sponsor or placing an ad, you’ll share your business with thousands of readers while directly supporting Project SAGE’s work to build a safer, stronger community.
Deadline to participate: November 1, 2025
Sponsorships: $1,500–$6,000
Ads: $300–$800
Contact: info@project-sage.org | (860) 364-1080
Let’s Build a Safer Community Together.
Summer at Project SAGE
Summer leading into fall is one of the busiest times of the year for Project SAGE community outreach. It’s the season when we set up our table at community events and share information about healthy relationships – and how to get help if you have any questions or concerns about a relationship – all throughout the Northwest Corner.
This year, you can find Project SAGE at all of these events – and more! Just look for the purple table and the Project SAGE banner. If you see us, please stop by and say hello. And tell your friends to stop by as well. We can’t wait to see you at one of these events!
North Canaan Spring Fest: Saturday, May 31
Kent Farmers Market: 2nd Friday of every month, June-October
Sharon Arts on the Green: Saturday, August 2
Lakeville Journal Community Street Fair: Saturday, August 2
Kent Sidewalk Sale: August
North Canaan Railroad Days: August
Cornwall Agricultural Fair: September
Kent Carnival: TBA
Falls Village Fall Festival: October
Salisbury Fall Festival: October
Mohawk Mountain Fall Festival: October
Welcome to Our New Event Coordinator, Nichole Reyes
Trade Secrets, the premier fundraiser for Project SAGE, welcomes Nichole Reyes as our new Event Coordinator.
Reyes brings a wealth of experience in event planning and a Master's degree in Non-profit Management to her role. With a deep commitment to social change, she is passionate about supporting Project SAGE's mission to end interpersonal violence.
"I am honored to join the Trade Secrets team and contribute to the vital work of Project SAGE," said Reyes. "Combining my professional expertise with my personal values allows me to create meaningful events that drive positive impact."
A dedicated community member, Reyes resides in Millerton with her husband and two sons. She actively serves on the Webutuck School Board, reflecting her commitment to giving back to her community.
Trade Secrets, inspired by Bunny Williams and Naomi Blumenthal, has been a cornerstone of support for Project SAGE since 2001. The event showcases exceptional garden designs and raises crucial funds to support Project SAGE's mission to create a safer community for all. It will be held on May 17th and 18th this year. For more information, visit tradesecrets.com.
Our Year in Review
As a new year approaches, we look back at the past 12 months with gratitude and appreciation for all those who make our work possible. It has been a year of growth and change. In 2024, we welcomed a new Executive Director, a new Director of Development, and several new Advocates. We also inaugurated a new Board Chair, and two new members joined our robust and engaged Board. Our October events marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month exceeded all past participation, with over 80 community members attending our Vigil honoring those who lost their lives to domestic violence in Connecticut and more than two dozen participants raising awareness about safe public spaces at Take Back the Hike, held in conjunction with Kent Land Trust. Project SAGE was a regular presence at community events throughout 2024, including the Kent Farmers Market, North Canaan Railroad Days, Sharon on the Green, Salisbury Fall Fest, Cornwall Ag Fair, and many more. And of course, Project SAGE continued its work of supporting, advocating, guiding, and educating by training scores of volunteers, teaching hundreds of workshops, answering thousands of hotline calls, and sheltering dozens of survivors of domestic violence. None of this vital work would be possible without the steadfast support of our community – you.
All of us at Project SAGE wish you a safe and bright new year and hope you will join us in 2025 as we continue our commitment to ending relationship violence and building a healthier, safer community for everyone.
Local Teen Supports Project SAGE’s Work
Local teen, August Donner, has been coming up with some creative ways to support Project SAGE!
When August heard about kids who have to leave their home quickly, without taking any of their belongings, he was moved to do something with them in mind. He organized a toy and book drive to help give them something of their own to soften the upheaval they may be experiencing when they arrive at Project SAGE. August found that asking local bookstores for donations was hard, but he reported they were really nice. His efforts resulted in four boxes filled with new toys and books.
Not only has August taken the initiative to support children, he also organized a fundraising hike this autumn to financially support Project SAGE. August and his Dad hiked a 12-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, going up to an elevation of 3,300 feet in 6 hours, and generating over $3,000 in donations.
Generosity from community members, of either money or time goes a long way in the work that Project SAGE does, and August gave both. Although he is only 14, two years younger than the 16 year age requirement for certified Project SAGE volunteers, August says that he’s already hoping to join our volunteer team in a few years. We are so glad to have August Donner in our corner!
Learn how you too can help Project SAGE