To the Editor:

Families United in Newtown (FUN), recreational program for families with special needs children, teens and adults, sponsored their 9th Annual Benefit Concert Saturday, April 30, in the beautiful Congregational church. Over 200 people enjoyed the “FUN Raiser” that included a sit-down dinner provided by Market Place, Church Hill Village, The Amber Room, Gisella’s, Texas Road House, Johnny’s Food Center, Nostrano Italian Eatery, Little Bit Eatery, John’s Best, Project Pizza, The Villa, Blue Colony Diner, Portofino’s, Olive Garden, Foundry, and Nick’s Catering.

We also had a raffle, silent auction, dessert and dancing.

Newtown National Honor Society students and other volunteers helped decorate, serve our guests, run the raffle/auction and mentor students during the show. Many thanks to more than forty businesses that graciously donated auction and/or raffle items. A “Special” thanks to Jay Thomas (MC); Hafez Taghavi (Music Director); Madelyn Aug (Assistant Director), Alexandra Saraceno (Pianist), Ava and Jeff Holmes (Stage Crew), Bob Keegan (Technical Director); Phyllis Kaplan and Chris Samson (DJs); Peter McLoughlin, (Videographer), Rori Sughrue and Phil Keane (Photographers), and Grant Ossendryver (Inspiring School of Music).

Dr Margaret Bauman (neurologist and brain researcher), and over 40 extremely talented musicians gave their time and talent for our cause.

Thank you Newtown Congregational Church’s Steve Bennett and Vicki Truitt, Newtown Public Schools, National Honor Society students and Director Mr Jeff Tolson, Newtown Methodist Church, Dawn Lipke, Beth Meszaros, Rachel Steinbroner, Suzette LeBlanc, Dr Robert McWilliams, Suzanne Lang, Kerri Williams, Anita and Peter Lucsky, Linda and Bill Soter, Erica Shaker, Wendy Cox, Doris and Chuck Samson, Monsie and Kevin Hobbs, Joanne Keane, David Merrill, Andrea’s Hair Studio, Butcher’s Best, Bagel Delight, Dan Rosenthal, Mitch Bolinski, Southbury Printers, and the outstanding audience!

It takes a village (small city) to put on a Benefit Concert. Thank you to everyone that supported our event.

Linda and Duane Jones

Founders of FUN

Sandy Hook