STRATFORD—“I am the man I am today because of the McGivney Center,” said Shaquille Epps, a student at Housatonic Community College and McGivney Center alumnus.
Over a hundred and fifty supporters and friends of the McGivney Center gathered at Vazzano’s Four Seasons Restaurant in Stratford on Wednesday, October 30 for their third annual celebrity breakfast, featuring investigative and sports journalist Armen Keteyian.
Previous breakfasts have featured MLB greats David Cone and Carl Pavano.
“Thank you for investing in the youth of Bridgeport. Thank you for investing in me,” said Epps, who is currently studying mortuary sciences in his undergraduate studies, as well as interning at a New Haven funeral home.
The morning started with a short greeting from Robert O’Connor, board president, who welcomed everyone gathered, while also extending his best wishes to Sarah Motti, the director of development of the McGivney Center, as she begins her new job at the Shehan Center. O’Connor then turned the microphone over to Epps, who shared his experience growing up in Bridgeport and the opportunities afforded to him because of the McGivney Center.
Before Breakfast, Lorraine Gibbons, executive director, shared an update about the many ongoing initiatives of the McGivney Center, including a youth council, financial literacy training, their extensive facilities upgrades and their annual Christmas store.
As guests began digging into their bacon and eggs, featured speaker Armen Keteyian took the podium.
“I am a storyteller at heart,” he quickly proclaimed, captivating guests with fascinating stories about legendary golfer Tiger Woods, college football coach Nick Saban and Super Bowl Champion Head Coach, Bill Belichick.
“I’ve told stories lasting 15 seconds on an NFL sideline to 90 minutes for documentaries on Showtime,” shared Keteyian.
Keteyian also shared stories from his time at Sports Illustrated, “60 Minutes” and more recently, the sports website: The Atheltic.
Afterwards, he thanked all present for their service and dedication to the McGivney Center.
The McGivney Community Center has been fulfilling its mission to provide stimulating and enriching programs that foster academic success and self-esteem to the youth of Bridgeport for the past 27 years. The McGivney Center’s After School Program includes tutoring, gym, computers, arts & crafts, cooking, game room, Friday clubs and Teen Program.
The McGivney Center, located 338 Stillman Street on the grounds of St. Charles Parish, is an agency of the Diocese of Bridgeport.
(For information visit www.mcgivney.org or call: 203.333.2789.)
