I look at this award as a 'paying it forward' award. We honor Dr. King by honoring those in this community who do his work
- Allison Stockel
Today, the community gathered both virtually and in person at The Ridgefield Playhouse for our Town’s 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration honoring the legacy of the great civil rights leader and paying tribute to a resident who walks in his footsteps.
Playhouse Executive Director, Allison Stockel received the Spirit of Dr. King award. “Much about Dr. King’s life we can attribute to you, Allison,” Rabbi Jon Haddon said during his opening remarks.
Allison Stockel is selfless. She wears her heart on her sleeve and never passes by an opportunity to help someone in need. Even complete strangers. Allison Stockel exemplifies the outstanding commitment to community service and selflessness in the finest traditions of Dr. Martin Luther King.
First Selectman Rudy Marconi shared a story that illustrated Allison’s selflessness. With permission from Allison’s husband (Jon), Rudy shared a bit about their first date, a fancy dinner in New York City followed by a Knick’s game. Allison ordered a rather large meal but didn't each much of it. Before the waiter brought the check, with a motive in mind, Allison asked for a “to go” container and proceeded to put much of her three-course meal in the container. Jon and Allison set out for the Knicks game. Before arriving at MSG, Allison asked Jon to wait. She walked over to two homeless people and gave them the container of food, her three-course meal.
Mark Robinson, the brains and powerhouse behind Ridgefield’s Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative celebration (and last year’s honoree) spoke about how Ridgefield changed for the better when Allison moved into town twenty-plus years ago. “A sunshine hurricane arrived,” he said with a smile. Not only did Allison create a mecca for the arts by her leadership at the Playhouse, but she touched so many nonprofits, donating her time and talent to make them stronger.
Stockel remarked, "Here's the biggest part of why I love this award, by honoring those who give of themselves, you are encouraging others to do the same. If you think of little Ridgefield and how much giving we have here, and if we can replicate that around the country, around the world, think of how much better of a world this would be."
After Robinson and First Selectman Marconi presented Allison with her award, the celebratory afternoon continued with thought-provoking words and soulful songs.
Ridgefield “A Better Chance” (RABC) student Eva Holleran gave the audience goosebumps when she sang “Rise Up” by Audra Day. Cheyla Williams, also an RABC student recited the poem “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou.
Kimberly Wilson, singer and performer from Westport sang “We Shall Overcome” and Cantor Debbie Katchko-Gray read "may you live to see your world fulfilled" by Benjie Ellen Schiller.
Ridgefield's Poet Laureate Barb Jennes read "Our Singer Garment of Destiny (Letter from a Birmingham Jail).
ACT of CT’s Bryan Perri and Daniel C. Levine appeared virtually (Nickel Mines opens on Thursday) and paid tribute to Allison by singing “Beautiful City” from Godspell by Stephen Schwartz.
The celebration event concluded with The Ridgefield Chorale singing “You Will Be Found” from Allison’s favorite Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hanson.
The way Allison lives her life is an example to all. When she accepted her award, she encouraged all to “pay it forward”. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”