When local new beginnings boutique House of Harrison invited the community to its special fundraising event on Thursday, October 23, the community responded with unrelenting support. Approximately 157 people gathered beneath Dickinson Park’s pavilion on Thursday night to celebrate House of Harrison’s relaunch as its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Attendees raised $11,900 to support House of Harrison in its mission to restore dignity and provide essential clothing to individuals experiencing homelessness, transitioning from treatment, or facing difficult times. Guests could bid on a wide variety of donated items, including: homemade quilts, a wine tasting for eight people, private tennis lessons, a pickleball membership at a swim and racquet club, around $1,200 in restaurant gift cards, and more.

On top of the aforementioned total, House of Harrison received an Amazon gift order of $800 worth of items from a donor.

Newtown resident Lynne Farah, who founded House of Harrison with former Newtown Parent Connection Executive Director Dorrie Carolan, called the support “unbelievable.”

“Thank each and every one of you for coming here tonight and for always being so generous, whether it’s by donating your clothes or by donating your time volunteering,” Farah told attendees on Thursday. “It means so much, and we are all helping so many people. You have no idea, honestly.”

Farah said House of Harrison helped 31 different organizations last year, and has helped 74 organizations this year.

Since opening in January of last year, House of Harrison operated under Newtown Parent Connection, a nonprofit organization which provides resources for individuals and families affected by substance use. However, Farah realized over the past year and a half that she wanted to help more people beyond those transitioning from treatment and sober living.

With House of Harrison’s relaunch as its own nonprofit earlier this fall, Farah said it can help anyone in need, from people coming out of prison to girls coming out of a treatment center.

Farah thanked Carolan and Newtown Parent Connection for their continuous support at the relaunch celebration. Its because of them, Farah said, that she could open up a little closet space at 2 Washington Square, Fairfield Hills Campus.

Farah only started with a couple of belts and suits, but has gone on to receive shoes, socks, underwear, jewelry, sweatshirts, and pocketbooks, among other items, thanks to the generosity of the community.

“It’s a success because of everybody here,” Farah told the attendees. “Our mission is to provide comfort, confidence, and dignity to anybody who needs it, and we’ve been able to do just that ... So thanks for all your support and for coming here. It’s unbelievable.”

The nonprofit is named in honor of Farah’s late son Harrison, who died in August of 2023. Last week’s relaunch celebration not only celebrated the organization’s expansion, but also Harrison’s kind and compassionate spirit. To that end, a special slideshow played as everyone dined on hot dogs, pretzels, and charcuterie and drank beer, wine, and seltzer. The slideshow featured pictures of Harrison smiling with families and friends, along with a few silly photos, too.

Farah laughed as she remembered one photo in particular, taken right after she foiled Harrison’s hair and he really wanted to take a selfie.

“That was just who he is,” Farah said. “So honoring that ... it’s really special.”

Beyond Newtown Parent Connection, Farah also thanked her mother and sister for making quilts they donated for the event, Castle Hill Farm for donating several pumpkins to decorate the pavilion, and the many sponsors who supported the relaunch celebration.

For more information about House of Harrison, visit houseofharrison.org or call 203-994-7352.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.