Mitchell Family Honored at Greenwich Historical Society
GREENWICH, CT – Scott Mitchell and the Mitchell family, third generation owners of Richards of Greenwich, were honored for their extraordinary contributions to the vital retail sector on Greenwich Avenue and their long history of community service and generous philanthropy, at Greenwich Historical Society’s History in the Making award dinner on October 24, at the Round Hill Club. The annual benefit supports the Historical Society’s arts and education programs.
NBC-TV news anchor Al Roker presented the award to Scott Mitchell and interviewed him about the family’s long history of service and retail leadership. Allan Houston, the 2023 History in the Making honoree, made closing remarks about the Mitchell’s legacy.
As a long-time customer familiar with the family’s customer philosophy, Al Roker opened the fireside chat saying, “So much about the Mitchell’s DNA is in giving back.”
Scott Mitchell underscored the importance of hard work, relationships and common interests with customers as critical factors in the family’s success: “We need to be open about the important things in life. Our customers tell us what is important to them, so it becomes important to us.”
Mitchell cited the importance of getting involved with something that matters: “Do something you are passionate about. Don’t underestimate your time. The more you give the more you get.”
In closing Allan Houston said the Mitchells live family and service every day. “When people come into the store they feel a legacy. You feel like family, and you find some really cool stuff. It never disappoints!”
“It is a tremendous privilege for our family to receive this award, especially considering the long list of outstanding leaders who have been honored,” said Mitchell. “Our family’s history of retail leadership and philanthropy dates to founders Ed and Norma Mitchell who opened the first store with three men’s suits, a coffee pot and a dream based on a strong sense of community service. That focus remains at the heart of our operation just as it has for three generations.”
The Mitchell family supports many worthy causes that include promotion of the arts, the preservation of Long Island Sound, critical health initiatives and breaking the cycle of poverty.
“It is a great honor to provide the Mitchells with this year’s History in the Making award in front of a capacity crowd of admirers and supporters,” says Historical Society Executive Director and CEO Debra Mecky. “The family’s accomplishments over the years since they first arrived on Greenwich Avenue in 1995 have had a profound impact on the town and its worldwide reputation for luxury retailing. Their retail philosophy and commitment to philanthropic causes that impact the community have set a high bar for compassion and excellence.”
Established in 2003, History in the Making recognizes outstanding individuals from the community who are the history makers of their time for having made a positive impact on the region and the world, and to provide a forum for learning about their thought-provoking ideas and perspectives.
The Mitchell family follows a long and impressive list of people who have been honored with the History in the Making Award. In addition to Allan Houston, other awardees include Ray and Barbara Dalio, Indra Nooyi, Derek Boothby, Thomas Foley, Curt Welling, Marie and Charlene Von Saher and Lewis Lehrman.
For more information please visit: https://greenwichhistory.org/history-in-the-making/