S.E.L.F. Annual Fundraising Gala: Homecoming 2025

The Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.) is thrilled to announce its annual fundraising gala, “Homecoming 2025,”taking place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

This spirited event, co-chaired by Stacey Burton and Stephanie Cowie, will bring together families, educators, advocates, and supporters for a festive and inspiring night in celebration of educational equity and inclusion. The evening will be hosted by Henry Hager and proceeds from the event will benefit S.E.L.F.’s mission of providing legal advocacy grants and resources to families of children with disabilities across Connecticut.

S.E.L.F. will present the President George H.W. Bush Disability Advocacy Award to Ashley and Rev. Shawn Garan for their courage and commitment in caregiving.

Parents to 13-year-old twins Max and Molly and 3-year-old Abram, their advocacy journey began with Max, who is nonverbal and has profound autism and intellectual disability. Ashley has spent over two decades supporting nonprofits and launched Hubbard Day School for Max after his therapeutic school closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rev. Shawn Garan is the Senior Minister at the United Church of Christ in Southbury, CT, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, and hosts the Wholistic Christianity podcast. His compassionate leadership and support make him an impactful advocate as well.  Previously, Rev. Garan previously served as Assistant Pastor at Second Congregational Church in Greenwich, where he played a pivotal role in the development and success of the Special Education Legal Fund.

“Ashley and Shawn embody everything S.E.L.F. stands for — dedication to their child, service to others, and a deep belief in dignity and equity for all,” said Christine Lai, Co-Founder and Executive Director of S.E.L.F. “We are honored to celebrate their work and their example at Homecoming 2025.”

The event will include live music by MOJO, delicious food by Food Design, moving storytelling, and themed homecoming festivities celebrating the resilience and progress of the families S.E.L.F. supports.

S.E.L.F. welcomes local businesses, foundations, and individuals to join as event sponsors. Sponsorship benefits include prominent brand exposure, recognition at the event, and VIP access.

For sponsorship inquiries or to request a media pass, please contact:

Christine Lai at christine@spedlegalfund.org.