On Saturday evening, April 28, Ridgefield Library was aglow as hundreds or community residents gathered to honor philanthropists Elaine and John Couri and their son Chris and daughter-in-law Megan with the Hope H. Swenson Visionary Award.
The Great Expectations gala benefit was an elegant and lively affair with live music, cocktails and hors-d'oeuvres, followed by dinner from Sarah Bouissou Catering and a silent auction of select items.
In the words of Brenda McKinley, Director: “The Couri family are a wonderful example of philanthropy and volunteering. Through their generous support of the Ridgefield Library, they have helped to strengthen our mission to be a gathering place for lifelong learning serving all ages. We are grateful to be honoring them at this year’s gala.”
First Selectman Rudy Marconi offered a special Proclamation to Honor John, Elaine, Chris and Megan Couri:
Whereas, John, Elaine, Chris and Megan Couri individually and as a family enhance the lives of both the young and senior citizens of Ridgefield through their prodigious involvement; and
Whereas, John and Elaine Couri are both selfless, caring individuals that instill a culture of generosity and compassion in their environments whether at home or in the community; and
Whereas, Chris and Megan Couri adeptly carry on the legacy begun by their parents through their involvement in the community; and
Whereas, the Couri Family’s remarkable altruistic nature is evidenced in their support of the RVNA, Western CT Health Network, Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club, Jesse Lee United Methodist Church, and through the philanthropic mission of the Couri Foundation, which includes running a summer camp program for underprivileged children and provides seminars for graduate students; and
Whereas, the Couri Family’s outstanding devotion to Ridgefield can be seen when walking through the doors of Founders Hall, the premiere senior center that was the vision of John Couri in the year 2000; now
Therefore, I, Rudy Marconi, First Selectman of the Town of Ridgefield of the State of Connecticut, in recognition of the Couri Family, would like to honor and commend them for their admirable level of dedication to Ridgefield and their many efforts which have earned them the respect of countless people for their generosity, humility, integrity, and commitment to their fellow man, and further congratulate John, Elaine, Chris and Megan Couri as recipients of the 2018 Hope H. Swenson Visionary Award.
Proclamationgiven on April 27, 2018
From your friends at HamletHub, congratulations to the Couri family and thank you for all you do for our community! The contributions you have made are etched in Ridgefield history.