Enchanted forest themed event highlights the critical work of teen activism, volunteerism and creating a community of inclusion.

MAY 11, 2023 – GREENWICH, Conn. – The Greenwich Junior United Way (GJrUW) along with the Greenwich United Way at large and Abilis will host the fifth annual “Together We Shine” celebration for Abilis members Saturday, May 13, 12:30-3:30 p.m. at Christ Church, 254 East Putnam Avenue in Greenwich. The “enchanted forest” themed event highlights the critical work of teen activism, volunteerism and creating a community of inclusion.

“We are so excited that Together We Shine has developed into such a special event in which the whole community can participate in some way,” said Amanda Finn, GJrUW program coordinator.

“Together We Shine is the most anticipated event of the year,” said Lisa Bria, activities manager for Abilis. “As for our clients, the ability to walk the red carpet in their formal attire and to be treated like celebrities is extraordinarily special.”

Last year’s successful event was attended by more than 150 Abilis members and high school students. More than 75 students have already signed up for this year’s event.

This year’s event sponsors include Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Coughlin Insurance Services, Michael Coughlin, Eleana Reinartz, Wayfinder Consulting LLC, Joel Singer, Founders Entertainment, Jordy Wolowitz, Costco Port Chester, Greenwich Town Party, the Frano Family, and the Imp Family. Live music is sponsored by Jonathan Kantor, David Kantor, Barbara Zay, Anna Jacobson and Bob Leinbach, and magician entertainment is sponsored by Julian Meunier.

Registration is free and open to all local high school students and recent graduates, ages 14-20. To register or donate, please contact afinn@greenwichunitedway.org.

About Greenwich United Way
The Greenwich United Way (GUW) shares a name with approximately 1,200 other similar organizations across the nation, although the Greenwich, Connecticut division is a privately incorporated, locally governed, nonprofit agency. As a volunteer-driven organization, the Greenwich United Way exists to help identify and address the health, educational and self-sufficiency needs specific to its local community and to create and affect meaningful, lasting solutions. Through various fundraising efforts and on-going research, the organization is able to directly grant the funds necessary to accomplish this goal. The Greenwich United Way also invests in and conducts collaborative efforts to address broad-based community needs with partnering nonprofit agencies. For more information, visit https://greenwichunitedway.org, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.