Families United in Newtown (FUN), a community recreational program for children, teens, and adults with special needs, hosted its 12th Annual Benefit Concert on Saturday, March 29th, at the Newtown Congregational Church. Over 200 attendees came together for an unforgettable evening of music, food, friendship, and fundraising — all in support of individuals and families with special needs.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our Presenting sponsor, Colonial Subaru of Danbury, for making this event possible. Special thanks to our Platinum sponsors: Stanziato’s, Taghavi Music Studio, Inspiring School of Music, Richard Kovack, and the Andreoetta/Magoulas Family. Our Gold sponsors included Mercedes, Newtown Smile, the Palilla Family, and TJ Designs. Silver sponsors: BMW, Chintz-N-Prints, and the Doug Flutie Foundation. Bronze sponsors: Arrowhead Guitars, Bagel Delight, BD Provisions, Butcher’s Best, Rolling Hills Dental, and Sun, Moon & Stars.

We are also incredibly grateful to our food donors, including Blue Colony Diner, Butcher’s Best, Bridgewater Chocolates, Elmer’s Diner, Grassy Plain Pizzeria, Market Place, Michael’s Tap Room, Omaha Beef, The Farmhouse, and Texas Roadhouse, for providing a delicious Mac and Cheese Bar!

A heartfelt thank you to the many volunteers who made this event a success, including our emcee, Jay Thomas; music directors Hafez Taghavi and Madelyn Aug; technical director Grant Ossendryver; videographer Peter McLoughlin; and the dedicated efforts of Joe Prac, Matt Spencer, Alexandra Saraceno, Jeff Capeci, Mitch Bolinsky, the Meszaros Family, the Ford Family, Anita and Peter Lucsky, Monsie Hobbs, Amy Tozzo, the Samson Family, Dawn Lipke, Vikki Carlson, Mary Andreoetta, Bonnie May, and Kara Halpin. We are also grateful for the support of the National Honor Society and our incredible student volunteers.

A special thank you to Dr Margaret Bauman and the 25 exceptionally talented musicians who donated their time and talent to this cause. We also appreciate the support of Newtown Public Schools, Newtown United Methodist Church, Newtown Congregational Church, Newtown Health Department, Southbury Printers, and our outstanding audience for making the evening so special.

FUN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing individuals with special needs — and their families — meaningful social opportunities in a caring and supportive environment. On behalf of our participating families, volunteer mentors, and Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Newtown and the surrounding communities for believing in our mission. Your support of FUN means the world to us and to the individuals and families we serve.

It truly takes a village — more like an army — to bring fundraisers like this to life, and we are beyond grateful to each and every person who contributed to our event’s success.

Duane and Linda Jones

Sandy Hook