To the Editor:

Families United in Newtown (FUN), a community recreational program for those in our area with special needs children, teens, and adults, sponsored the 8th Annual Benefit Concert at Dickinson Park on June 6. Over 200 meals were delivered from Danbury’s food truck “Green Grunion.”

Thanks to Butcher’s Best, Chintz and Prints, BD Provisions (wonderful fresh roasted coffee!) and Newtown Parks and Rec/Mangold family. Thanks to Newtown Lions Club and Newtown Savings Bank for Senior Scholarship donations.

Thanks to the many volunteers that made this program possible: Jay Thomas (MC); Hafez Taghavi (music director); John Voket (technical director and DJ); Miles Dievert and Ava Holmes (stage managers); Peter McLoughlin (videographer); Bill and Linda Soter, Kevin Curry, Steve Bennett, Bob Keagan, Beth Meszaros, the Fords, Anita and Peter Lucsky, Anne Williams, Monsie Hobbs, Maura Granville, Doris Samson, Dawn Lipke, Kristen Glenhan, Dawn Eagleson, and Suzanne Lang. We are grateful for the National Honor Society/student volunteers that helped with burrito delivery despite the very hot temperature that day. Thanks to Dr Margaret Bauman and her daughter, Margot, for attending from Massachusetts to bring a handmade bear for the 50/50 winner. Thanks to the 20 talented musicians donating their talent for our cause! Thank you Newtown Public Schools, Newtown Methodist Church, Newtown Congregational Church, Newtown Health Department, Mitch Bolinsky, Dan Rosenthal, and Southbury Printers.

FUN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides individuals with special needs and their families social opportunities in a caring environment. We send our heartfelt thanks to Newtown and surrounding communities for supporting our goal. Your backing of FUN means the world to us and the individuals and families we serve. It takes a village to support fundraisers, and we offer sincere gratitude to everyone who supported our event!

Duane and Linda Jones, Founders of FUN

In memory of their son, Tyler

Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook June 11, 2021