One hundred and seventy-five people from Newtown and neighboring communities came together for House of Harrison's fundraiser event on Friday, May 29 at Newtown Community Center.

It was a night of music, food, and fun for everyone in attendance as they raised around $32,000 for the new beginnings boutique and its goal to purchase and maintain a dedicated outreach van. This way, the non-profit can expand its reach in Connecticut and "put its mission in motion," servicing people in need across the state.

Guests got to enjoy a wide variety of food, ranging from bread, chips, and pretzel sticks to carrots, celery, and crackers. They could pair this with drinks such as pinot noir and chardonnay. There were also non-alcoholic options available, such as water and coffee.

As the night went on, people could also help themselves to food from Slice of New Haven's pizza truck, which served cheese, pepperoni, BBQ chicken, buffalo chicken, and eggplant rollatini pizza, among others. They also served special dessert pizza later on, such as s'mores pizza.

All the while, Nathan Piette of "New England's Best DJs and Photobooth" played live music for everyone to enjoy.

Since its launch in 2024, House of Harrison has served over five thousand people experiencing the most difficult or vulnerable times of their lives. These individuals can receive clothing such as socks, shoes, pants, shirts, and pocketbooks. They can also receive blessing bags that include snacks, water bottles, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, moisturizer, sanitary products, and sunscreen.

It has also supported more than 20 partner agencies across Connecticut, including Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Clayton House in Glastonbury, Harmony House in Danbury, Save A Suit in Bethel, St Vincent de Paul Middletown, and more.

The nonprofit is named in honor of Newtown resident Lynne Farah’s late son Harrison, who died in August of 2023. Farah previously told The Newtown Bee that House of Harrison carries on her son's kind and compassionate spirit, with the goal of helping people the same way he did.

Farah, who founded House of Harrison with former Newtown Parent Connection Executive Director Dorrie Carolan, said these numbers would not have been possible without the tremendous amount of support from the Newtown community.

That support carried over into the night of the fundraiser. Farah experienced a vertebrae compression just a few days before the event, and was in a wheelchair as a result. The volunteers at House of Harrison stepped up and got everything ready in time for the big night.

A dozen or so tables were covered in white tablecloths, topped with flowers, candy, and a sign that described House of Harrison's impact. They also set up a photo area, surrounded by white, pink, and green balloons.

The event also featured several silent auctions along with a balloon pop, where attendees could buy their own balloon, pop it, and receive a gift card.

Whatever it was Farah needed to set up, the volunteers worked together to make sure it was covered.

Barb Jagoe, a board member for House of Harrison, spoke to the crowd on behalf of Farah. She called Harrison a giver, a special kid who truly wanted to help people whenever he could. In carrying on his legacy, Farah, along with her family and friends, have defined and executed their mission to support people in need.

Jagoe said Farah and these other volunteers would load up their cars and drive to Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport, Meriden, Torrington, and other surrounding towns when needs arose.

"[Farah] does not say no to anyone who has a need," Jagoe said. "What makes HOH unique is that it's local and grassroots — people receive help quickly, without judgment, and without waiting periods."

She continued by saying that they continue to be impressed by Farah's passion to help people and her exceptionally positive spirit, no matter the difficult situation.

"Many people helped to make this event happen, and you are deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping to make a difference in the lives of so many people," Jagoe said.

Most importantly, Jagoe told everyone to have fun and dance the way Farah would want them to; she passed the microphone over to Farah, who asked the crowd to dance "like no one is watching."

A few other people took the microphone afterwards to share words of gratitude to the crowd and the sponsors for the event.

One of them was Farah herself, who said she could not be happier to see how many people were there that evening.

"I'm so lucky for my amazing friends and family, my village," Farah said. "Thank you all from the bottom of my heart."

Another person who spoke was Sharon Avallon, who used to get haircuts from Farah when she worked as a hairdresser at Ricci's many years ago. Avallon happened to be playing on the fields at Dickinson Park during House of Harrison's relaunch fundraiser in October of last year.

Her attention was drawn by whatever was going on at the pavilion, where she discovered House of Harrison and saw it was launched by her old hairdresser. Learning Harrison's story, Avallon bought items off of the nonprofit's Amazon wish list, and reached out to Farah a few days after to reconnect.

Avallon announced that she would personally donate $10,000 to House of Harrison to support its mission, giving a big, heartfelt hug to Farah.

Afterwards, everyone took to the dance floor as Piette played "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge. Farah was joined by her family and friends, with one person pushing her around in the wheelchair so she could dance, too.

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

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