Families United in Newtown (FUN) hosted its first gathering of the season on Sunday, September 28, at the Garage Teen Center. Over 80 people joined together for an afternoon filled with laughter, games, music, and friendship.

The FUN Center buzzed with excitement as members enjoyed games of pool, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, tic tac toe, and bingo. Newtown High School Mentors joined in the fun, supporting members throughout the event — playing games, dancing with DJ Chris, getting festive face paintings, and simply spending time together as friends.

A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of a $5,000 grant generously awarded to FUN by The Heisman Trophy Fund. The grant was presented to FUN Founder Linda Jones by Heisman Trophy Fund Representative Jack Schneider, joined by Newtown First Selectman Jeff Capeci and FUN Member Dasha Lipke.

The support from The Heisman Trophy Fund will help FUN continue its mission of building community and connection for families with special needs.

The celebration concluded with Ferris Acres Creamery ice cream sundaes topped with candy, whipped cream, and smiles as members celebrated September and October birthdays.

The afternoon was a terrific kick-off to what promises to be another great year of FUN, with plans to bring families, mentors, and friends together to create memories and celebrate the power of inclusion.

Next up, FUN will host its annual Halftime FUN Soccer Scrimmage at Blue and Gold Stadium at Newtown High School on Saturday, October 11, during the boys soccer game beginning at 3 pm. FUN members will cheer on the team while volunteers offer delicious treats at the bake sale fundraiser.

Readers are invited to support the FUN mission while also enjoying a great game, cheering on the players, watching the FUN kids and mentors take the field at halftime, and treating themselves to some baked goods.

At Families United in Newtown, mentoring is about more than volunteering. It’s about building friendships rooted in trust, laughter, and respect. These moments of connection are at the heart of what FUN stands for: inclusion, understanding, and joy.

The mission of FUN is to provide individuals with special needs and their families social opportunities in a caring environment through monthly themed meetings.

Families United in Newtown was founded in 2010 by Newtown residents Linda and Duane Jones, in memory of their son Tyler as a lasting tribute to his life living with autism.

For more information about Families United in Newtown and upcoming events, visit FamiliesUnitedInNewtown.org.