During the Special Education Legal Fund’s (S.E.L.F.) Homecoming-themed fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 9, supporters gathered in an extraordinary way to celebrate resilience and opportunity. The event at Arch Steet Teen Center, which brought over 250 people together to support S.E.L.F.’s mission, was more than just a gathering; it demonstrated what can be accomplished when people unite for inclusion and access in our communities.
S.E.L.F. Co-Founder and Executive Director Christine Lai said, “The evening was uplifting and represented a promise that together we can make strides toward equality and support those who need it most.” With its focus on fostering resilience, S.E.L.F. empowers individuals to embrace their unique journeys, helping many families navigate the complexities of special education.
Over $300,000 was raised at the Homecoming event, which will provide advocacy and support, open doors that may seem closed, and ensure that families have access to the resources and knowledge they need to navigate legal challenges in education. As a result, they no longer face obstacles alone. The organization advocates for policies that ensure access for all individuals, irrespective of ability, by promoting awareness and understanding within communities.
S.E.L.F. Co-Founder Ulrika Drinkall has been honored with the Presidential George H.W. Bush Award for her advocacy for disabled individuals in Connecticut, presented by S.E.L.F. Board member Ellen Fullerton. The event was a success thanks to S.E.L.F. Homecoming co-chairs Candance Procaccini, Kendra Farn, and Rachel Kelley, emcee Noah Finz, and Christine Lai and Henry Hager’s extraordinary “hat raise” with S.E.L.F. baseball caps generously supplied by SkeCap.
Among the event’s corporate sponsors were Wealthspire Advisors, Eagle Hill School, Winston Prep, Spire School, Pinnacle School, Villa Maria School, Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Fusion Academy, and American School for the Deaf. Individual sponsors include the Stapleton Family Foundation, Staci and Lorin Radtke, Rebecca and Darren Anikstein, Ellen and Rob Fullerton, Leander and Alex Krueger, Tricia Black and Patrick Brogan.
In-kind donations were provided by Jersey Mike’s, Stoli Vodka, and Diageo. The event planning was handled by Emboss LLC with entertainment by MOJO, media by Fairfield County Look, staffing by Events by Marylee, décor by Stephanie Lorraine, video production by Kendra  Farn of P. Garyn Productions, and technical production by E.S.U. Entertainment.
Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.) was founded in 2018 to level the playing field for families in need with children in the special education system. It provides resources, knowledge and support to parents, guardians and self-advocates in order to facilitate the successful navigation of the special education process. S.E.L.F. facilitates communication between stakeholders through an emphasis on knowledge, understanding, collaborative decision-making and proactive advocacy. Special Education Legal Fund supports families who have fallen through the cracks in the special education system and endeavors to help resourced-challenged families.
