HONORING CHAMPIONS FOR THE DISABLED

Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.) will host its 5th anniversary gala on Saturday, Nov. 11, at Burning Tree Country Club in Greenwich honoring the legacy of George H.W. Bush, 41st president of the United States, and Lowell Weicker, 85th governor of the state of Connecticut, as S.E.L.F. Champions for their tireless efforts on behalf of individuals with disabilities. 

In addition, S.E.L.F. is introducing the President George H.W. Bush Advocacy Award, which will be awarded to two individuals for their advocacy on behalf of inclusion and access for disabled individuals in Connecticut. Community activist Stephanie Cowie and attorney Andrew Feinstein will be the recipients of the inaugural President George H.W. Bush Award. Emmy Award-winning television sports reporter and anchor Noah Finz will serve as the evening’s emcee. The awards presentations will include a special appearance by Andrew Niblock, director of Schoolwide Initiatives for Greenwich Country Day School, and author of “The Art of Marrying Well.” After the program and awards presentation, guests will enjoy dancing with DJ April Larken. 

S.E.L.F. is grateful for the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Kenneth C. Griffin, without whom the evening would not be possible and would like to extend a special acknowledgment to The George & Barbara Bush Foundation, The Stapleton Foundation, Wealthspire Advisors, Winston Preparatory School, Greenwich Education Group, American School for the Deaf, Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Eagle Hill School, Fusion Academy and Villa Maria School for their sponsorship and support.

Wendy Stapleton and Henry Hager will co-chair the event. Stapleton is a lifelong philanthropist, chairman and founder of the Greenwich International Film Festival, and the niece of President George Herbert Walker Bush. Hager, managing director of Waterous Energy Fund, is a board member of the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Building Conservation Trust and has served in a number of capacities in President George W. Bush’s administration. He is the son of John Hager, 37th Lt. Governor of Virginia, and Margaret Chase Hager, disability rights activist.