Harry Connick, Jr. said he was “honored and humbled” to be performing for a room of “good-hearted people” on Tuesday night at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich for a benefit for Fairfield County’s Inner-City Foundation for Charity & Education. The annual benefit provides critical funding for the charity’s support of programs serving the neediest adults and children in Fairfield County. This year marked the charity’s 25th annual benefit dinner.
“It was very special to see Harry Connick, Jr. in such an intimate setting,” said Richard T. Stone, Executive Director for The Inner-City Foundation for Charity & Education, “since he regularly sells out much larger venues around the world. It was a very hot ticket, and we were sold out.”
Dave Price, the master of ceremonies at the event and Emmy award winning television personality from WNBC-TV, commented from the stage that it was not only rare to have Harry Connick, Jr. performing, but also to see him joining the crowd for dinner before the show.
The Inner-City Foundation hopes that the excitement generated by Harry’s performance will continue to boost donations: their 25th year fundraising goal is to raise $2.5 million this year — more than twice what they typically raise in a year. The benefit raised about $1 million.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who came out to our help us celebrate our 25th anniversary with Harry Connick, Jr.,” says Stone. “But we’re still actively seeking donations. We have a long way to go to meet our 25th year goal. Need is up in Fairfield County, it’s not all gold coast — 28 percent of the residents in this county can’t meet the basic co st of living to be here!”
The centerpieces at the event were made from fresh produce and packaged goods provided by Tarry Market of Port Chester, New York. The food was donated at the end of the evening to The New Covenant Center in Stamford, our area’s largest soup kitchen and food pantry and the only one serving three meals a day, 365 days a year.
Barbara & Ray Dalio, Bill Mitchell and Jack Welch were Honorary Chairs of Tuesday’s event. Bill Mitchell was honored with a special video tribute as he will retire from The Inner-City’s Board of Directors this year after 19 years of enthusiastic and fruitful service. A scholarship fund was created by The Inner-City Foundation in his name, and introduced to the crowd at the benefit.
To donate to The Inner-City Foundation’s 25th Year Appeal, visit The Inner-City Foundation for Charity & Education at innercityfoundation.org, email communications@innercityfoundation.org or call 203.416.1496.
About The Inner-City Foundation for Charity & Education: The Inner-City Foundation For Charity & Education is a 501(c)(3) non-sectarian foundation that supports organizations addressing the most basic human needs of Fairfield County residents seeking help. Organizations providing food, clothing, shelter, education and counseling to at-risk and needy children and adults of Fairfield County may apply for grants, and will be considered. The Inner-City Foundation seeks to support organizations that provide not only a safety net but also a springboard to a better future for its Fairfield County neighbors most in need, providing not only help but hope. Founded in 1992, the Inner-City Foundation has provided more than $28 million to about 200 local organizations over the last quarter-century. For more information about The Inner-City Foundation or to donate visit The Inner-City Foundation for Charity & Education at innercityfoundation.org, email communications@innercityfoundation.org or call 203.416.1496.
About Harry Connick, Jr. Harry Connick, Jr. is a multiple Grammy award winner who, over the past three decades, has established himself as a legendary musician, singer, composer, live performer and best-selling artist with millions of records sold around the world. Harry is also an accomplished actor and television personality, and has received Emmy awards and Tony nominations for his work on the stage and screen. He joined “American Idol” as a judge in 2013 alongside Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban. His new nationally-syndicated daytime television variety show “Harry” kicked off in September and can be seen locally on weekdays at 4 pm on Fox, Channel 5.
Despite his busy career, Harry has always found the time to be charitable and has done some of his most important work in his efforts to help his native New Orleans rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. He, along with friend Branford Marsalis, conceived of “Musicians’ Village,” a community in the Upper Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Musicians’ Village provides homes for Katrina-displaced musicians and its focal point, the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, is a teaching facility for children, a performance hall and recording studio for musicians, and a gathering place for the community. Harry assisted a similar population right here in Fairfield County when he performed at the gala for The Inner-City Foundation for Charity & Education on Tuesday night.