Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County Celebrated 120th Anniversary in Style with Vanessa Williams

 Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC) celebrated 120 years of service to the community by hosting its annual gala on June 3. "120 Club: An Evening with Vanessa Williams," raised more than $500,000 for the not-for-profit and nearly 500 guests attended the supper-club-themed event at Serafina at the Italian Center of Stamford.

Vanessa Williams wowed the crowd with a mixture of her classic hits and Broadway standards in an intimate setting, recalling the days of New York City nightclubs. Williams is currently performing in a new hit Broadway comedy, "POTUS," at the Shubert Theatre. 

At the start of the evening, United States Congresswoman Jahana Hayes introduced her colleague, United States Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, who received the 2022 CLC Champion of Children Award for her unwavering and longtime dedication to children. DeLauro has long been a passionate and vocal champion for the vulnerable, with decades of advocacy on behalf of all children bringing a lasting impact in areas such as children's education, health, and nutrition.  

Currently, DeLauro serves as the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, sits on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, and as Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. 

As Connecticut's second-largest early childhood education provider, CLC has been a leader in developing and implementing high-quality and affordable early childhood education and care programs since 1902. With 8 locations in Stamford and statewide influence around early childhood education advocacy, CLC is licensed to serve almost 900 children who live across Fairfield County.  

"Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County plays a critical role in educating and caring for children in our community. I want to thank everyone who attended and supported our largest fundraiser of the year as we celebrated 120 years of impact," stated CLC Chief Executive Officer Marc E. Jaffe. "Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we can fulfill our mission where together, we'll shape a generation through early childhood education."   

Corey Paris, CLC Director of Development, commented, "Vanessa Williams is a classic entertainer whose stage presence is unparalleled and whose voice remains timeless. She made the evening so memorable for all that attended." The evening also included a live auction, fund a need, and concluded with dancing to the music of the popular DJ April Larken. Sponsors included Blavatnik Family Foundation, Ellington Management Group, EY, Pitney Bowes, Robinson + Cole, and media sponsor Stamford Magazine/Moffly Media. Emboss, LLC was the event planner.  

Contributed Photos by Cara Gilbride of Callalily Studios: United States Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and CLC Chief Executive Officer Marc E. Jaffe Vanessa Williams