Community Dances for Belonging at Kids In Crisis 3rd Annual Tea Dance

GREENWICH, CT – On a gorgeous afternoon filled with friends, music, and joy, the community came together at The Foundation House for the 3rd Annual Kids In Crisis Tea Dance, raising $83,000 to support Lighthouse, a Kids In Crisis program that provides safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth across Fairfield County.

Guests enjoyed food from local favorites, lively entertainment from DJ MattyM, and a show-stopping drag performance by Angelina Fierce. Photographer Brian Zuleta captured the vibrant spirit of the afternoon and emcee Dan Guller brought warmth and laughter throughout the afternoon.

One of the most moving moments came when Grace Romani Targonski, a Lighthouse alum and current youth facilitator, shared how the program transformed her life:

“Going to my first Lighthouse meeting made me who I am today and ultimately led to all the discoveries I’ve made—not just about the world, but about myself.”

Because of Lighthouse, teens are finding connection, confidence, and community. Parents are breathing easier knowing their children are welcomed just as they are.

Funds raised will allow Lighthouse to expand its life-changing work, including a new program at the Bridgeport Pride Center, bringing light to even more young lives. Lighthouse currently offers weekly and monthly group meetings where youth find friendship, guidance, and belonging. Events like the Tea Dance help support this program, but the need is growing.

This year’s Tea Dance showed what’s possible when a community gathers together. As a nonprofit, Kids In Crisis needs support to keep programs like Lighthouse free, accessible, and expanding to meet the growing demand. Every gift helps create safe spaces where youth can discover who they are and know they are not alone.

Kids In Crisis extends a heartfelt thank you to emcee Dan Guller, our event co-chairs Christian Meskers, Bill Pierz, and Chris Spiegelman, and to the entire committee, for their dedication and hard work in bringing this event to life. We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our event sponsors including Alon Marom and Anthony Palazzo, BanC House, Bill Pierz, Chris Spiegelman and Charles Scatamacchia, Circle Care Center, Dave & Charlie's Hometown Deli, Denis and Lisa LaPolice, Jeffrey Franklino, John Volpe, Trevi Lounge, Leonard Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation, Lucky Dog Refuge, Mason-Richey Family, MK Reichert Sternlicht Foundation, O'Neill's Irish Pub, Val's Putnam Wines, Washington Prime.

To donate, get involved, or learn more, please email Lighthouse Manager, Tiffany Pippins at tpippins@kidsincrisis.org, call 203-622-6556, or visit our website.

Kids In Crisis provides 24/7 support to children and families throughout Fairfield County, including mental health counseling, crisis intervention, emergency shelter, and specialized programs like Lighthouse. Since 1978, we’ve served over 170,000 children and families, ensuring that no child has to face crisis alone.