Carver Gala Honoring Sean Combs Raises $1 million+

Carver’s 80^th Anniversary Gala Raises More than $1 Million

Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates, Presents Child of America Award to Sean Combs

Norwalk, CT – Carver’s 80^th Anniversary gala on Friday, May 11th at Shorehaven Golf Club raised more than $1 million to advance the Carver mission of “building lifetime achievers.”

In addition to Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates presenting Carver’s annual Child of America award to Sean Combs, Mayor Rilling, Representative Bob Duff, Stamford Mayor David Martin and New Canaan Selectman Nick Williams joined the nearly 300 guests in making this gala a joyous and significant event. 

“This was a gala for the ages,” said Novelette Peterkin, Carver’s Executive Director. “At this event our gala committee, sponsors and guests kept faith with Carver’s founders and our namesake, George Washington Carver, in giving all we could to help this generation of Norwalk’s youth succeed in school and life. Carver was founded 80 years ago on values and built through the years on integrity. Carver’s original volunteer leaders may never have envisioned Carver’s reach and success today, but in all the important ways, Carver never changed. The success of this year’s gala demonstrates how much we care about achieving the very best for each Carver child.”

Sean Combs was especially appreciative of the Carver award and mission. He spoke at length about the pivotal role after school and summer programs played in his youth and his commitment to such programs across the country today.

For the live auction Mr. Combs offered his East Hampton mansion for a week where the famous “White Party” was held. Then he helped the auctioneer to auction it. He was up and engaging with our audience. Combs then doubled the auction offering, selling it to the two top bidders for $25K apiece. 

A number of Carver students and alumni spoke to resounding standing ovations. There were many other high points, including Carver alumnae Gabriel Pierre-Louis singing during the reception; a special video greeting by Carver kids; the high drama of the Silent Auction, Paddle Raise and Live Auction managed by the thrilling Robbie Gordy; a music video of Carver kids and Carver Alumnus Kenneth "FNX" Shuler rapping Carver's new anthem, "We Are Carver"; and then the exuberant fellowship afterward.