The Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.) hosted its Homecoming-themed fundraiser on Saturday, October 18, at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, uniting more than 200 supporters in a celebration of resilience, inclusion, and opportunity.
The event, co-chaired by Stephanie Cowie and Stacey Burton, and emceed by Henry Hager, marked S.E.L.F.’s 7th year of awarding grants that empower Connecticut families navigating the complexities of the special education system. More than just a fundraiser, the evening exemplified how collective action can transform lives and expand access to education for all children.
“This event was a celebration of what’s possible when communities come together to make a difference,” said Christine Lai, S.E.L.F. Co-Founder and Executive Director. “S.E.L.F. changes the trajectory of children’s lives. We are often the difference between a child who can read and one who cannot; between a student who goes to college and one who doesn’t. Our work ensures families have the tools and advocacy they need to secure their child’s educational rights.”
Honoring the Garans for Advocacy and Impact
During the evening, Molly Garan presented her parents, Ashley and Reverend Shawn Garan, with the President George H.W. Bush Disability Advocacy Award, recognizing their tireless efforts to champion access and equity for students with disabilities.
“I’ve learned from my parents that every child deserves an education that works for them,” said Molly Garan. “And when schools fall short, families should have the support to make sure their kids get what they need. I’m so proud to honor them tonight.”
Accepting the award, Shawn Garan remarked, “We can’t protect our children’s rights if we don’t know what those rights are. Advocacy isn’t automatic – it’s built through information, access, and expert support. That’s exactly what S.E.L.F. provides.”
Ashley Garan added, “S.E.L.F. was founded by parents who understood how overwhelming this process can be. They stand beside families, offering education, funding, and guidance to navigate a system that isn’t built to make it easy. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that S.E.L.F. chose to highlight caregivers this year; the parents who are their children’s fiercest advocates.”
Expanding Support and Legal Access
The evening also featured an engaging conversation between Henry Hager and Laura Sullivan, who joined S.E.L.F. in September to help launch its new Legal Aid Program, offering direct legal assistance to Connecticut families seeking support within the special education system.
Through this and other initiatives, S.E.L.F. continues to advance policy reform and community awareness that promote inclusion and equal opportunity for individuals of all abilities.
Community Partners and Supporters
S.E.L.F. is supported year-round by corporate sponsors, including Wealthspire Advisors, Eagle Hill School, Winston Preparatory School, the American School for the Deaf, Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Fusion Academy, Pinnacle School, Spire School, and Villa Maria School. For S.E.L.F. Homecoming 2025, key sponsors also included video sponsors Wealthspire Advisors and Winston Preparatory School; entertainment sponsor Villa Maria School; trucker hat sponsor Julie Church/Houlihan Lawrence; technology sponsor Kate Pearce Educational Services; and logo sponsors Newbury Place, The Law Office of Meredith Braxton, The Law Offices of Dana Johnson, The Advocacy Office of Virginia Blum, JCC Stamford, and Special Education Equity for Kids. Additionally, name sponsors include Gottfried & Somberg, Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group, The Law Offices of Robin Keller, and the Law Office of Terry Bedard. In-kind sponsors are Diageo, Greenwich Town Party, PepsiCo, and SkyeCap.
The success of the event was further supported by Emboss, L.L.C. (event planning), MOJO (entertainment), Fairfield County Look (media partner), Food Design of Greenwich (catering), Kendra Farn of P. Garyn Productions (video production), and E.S.U. Entertainment (technical production).
