DANBURY—Over 300 people came out to the Amber Room Colonnade on October 25 to support the programs and services of Catholic Charities of Northern Fairfield County, including Behavioral Health, Community Support Program, Family Loan Program, Homeless Outreach Team, Housing, Morning Glory Breakfast Program and New Heights. They were there to support the programs which focus on services for the needy, homeless, and those struggling with mental issues but walked away with so much more.
The event promised a “celebrity” speaker, yet two-time Emmy Award Winner Kevin Briody will tell you himself that he considers himself anything but that. In fact, he sees the staff of Catholic Charities as the true celebrities as they are faced with the daily challenge of helping those in need. Kevin charmed the audience with the story about his life from growing up in Ridgefield and hitchhiking to St. Mary’s Church to meeting his wife and taking a chance on songwriting. His life has changed over the years, but it was always grounded in faith.
Kevin has done quite well as a songwriter. His compelling song “We’re All Heroes” opened the Special Olympic World Games and Autism Speaks commissioned him to write the song “Bring Them Back” to help generate awareness. After speaking to the group, Kevin performed two of his songs which were filled with so much emotion, that many could be seen wiping away the tears from their eyes.
In addition to hearing from Kevin Briody, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton spoke about the importance of the services provided by Catholic Charities and Father Chip O’Neill honored former Advisory Board Member Bob Leggett who passed away this year. Finally, Regional Director Michelle Conderino expressed how important it is to support Catholic Charities and provided insight into the number of people being served in the Danbury area by the agency. At the end, she implored people to take the centerpieces on the table and give them to anyone who could use some compassion and in need of brightening their day.
Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, Inc. is one of the largest private social service providers in Connecticut. Since 1916, Catholic Charities has served all people with programs that feed the hungry and homebound, shelter the homeless, strengthen families, assist the physically and emotionally challenged, and deliver consultation and assistance to immigrants. We serve all people without regard to age, race, religion or ability to pay. Catholic Charities puts faith into action by providing food, housing, mental health, adoption, immigration and family support services to the needy and vulnerable of Fairfield County. For more information visit: www.ccfairfield.org.
