GREENWICH – Person to Person (P2P) raised more than $900,000 at its second annual Rising Together Benefit on March 28 at the Hyatt Regency to help families and individuals move toward stability through access to food, clothing, housing assistance, and economic opportunity across lower Fairfield County.
“Rising Together reflects the very best of our community,” P2P CEO Nancy Coughlin said. “It’s people coming together with a shared belief that access to food, housing, and opportunity should not be out of reach. The generosity behind this event allows us to meet urgent needs today while continuing to build pathways for long-term stability tomorrow.”
Building on the success of its inaugural, record-breaking event, Rising Together continues to grow as one of the region’s most impactful nights of community and collective action.
Funds raised from the event will directly support P2P’s essential programs, translating into tangible impact for families across Fairfield County. For example, a $25,000 investment can stock P2P’s two mobile food pantries for a month with fresh, healthy groceries to reach as many as 5,000 people, right in their own neighborhoods. The funds also sustain critical services, from food access to housing stability to workforce training.
“The impact of this support shows up in very real ways in people’s lives,” said Corey Paris, Chief Philanthropy and Strategy Officer. “Behind every dollar raised is a real moment in someone’s life where things get a little easier, a little more stable. That’s the part people don’t always see, but it’s exactly what this kind of support makes possible.”
Awards presented
This year’s Catalyst for Change Award was presented to André and Michelle Swanston, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and community builders whose leadership has expanded access to opportunity across Connecticut and beyond. The Swanstons are also the majority owners of the new CT United FC MLSNext soccer team.
During the award presentation, they reflected on how family, community support, and access to opportunity shaped their paths. They spoke about building a life together, navigating financial uncertainty, and taking risks, ultimately turning an idea into lasting success. Their journey underscored what is possible when resilience is met with support and opportunity, reflecting the experiences of many individuals and families served by Person to Person.
The Mountaintop Volunteer Award was presented to Saint Luke’s Parish, recognizing its extraordinary and longstanding commitment to service through Person to Person. The parish’s connection to Person to Person is foundational. P2P was established in 1968 as a ministry of Saint Luke’s Parish following the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who had been in seminary with the Rector of St. Luke’s Parish at the time. The award honors those who embody dignity, compassion, and community action, values that Saint Luke’s Parish has advanced for decades.
The evening featured a live auction led by James McDonald, with the MOJO Band providing live entertainment during the cocktail hour and after-party. The highlight of the night was a headline performance by The S.O.S. Band.
The benefit’s success was made possible by the generous support of sponsors including Joseph and Amy Gold, the Johnson Wolff Family, and Saint Luke’s Parish, along with corporate partners such as NBC Sports, Stanley Black & Decker, Charter Communications, Stamford Health, and CT United FC. Moffly Media served as the event’s media sponsor, and Emboss LLC led event planning and production. Support from additional individual donors and community partners played a critical role in bringing the evening to life and expanding its impact across Fairfield County.
