Local Community Gathers to Support Teen Mental Health at Have A Heart for Kids In Crisis

On June 5, the local community came together for Have A Heart to benefit Kids In Crisis, hosted by Kids In Crisis. This event raised over $72,000 in support of Kids In Crisis’ TeenTalk program and 24/7 support services for children and families at East Ridge Middle School, Scotts Ridge Middle School, and Ridgefield High School.

The evening began with a VIP Veranda Pre-Party at The West Lane Inn, followed by a garden party at The Benjamin, where guests enjoyed locally crafted fare, a lively auction, and heartfelt conversations. Co-chaired by Kimberly Bishop and Christine Wohl (as seen pictured right to left), the evening created space not only for generosity but for what it means to care for our youth. The event included appearances by First Selectman Rudy Marconi and Scotts Ridge Middle School Principal Tim Salem, both highlighting the growing need for youth mental health support in schools.

Proceeds from the event benefit TeenTalk, a Kids In Crisis program that places master’s-level mental health counselors in middle and high schools to provide free, confidential support to students navigating emotional, academic, or family-related challenges. Funded entirely by donations, more than 1,500 students in Fairfield County accessed this life-changing program last year alone.

Kids In Crisis, based in Cos Cob, is Connecticut’s only organization providing 24/7 crisis support, emergency shelter for children, in-school counseling, and a 24-hour Helpline (203-611-1911) for families navigating urgent challenges. Since 1978, the organization has supported more than 168,000 children and families.

Programs like TeenTalk are made possible through community generosity, making events like Have A Heart essential to keeping services free and accessible to those who need them.

Thank you to Jim Endee for the VIP party music, and to emcee Tom Pesce for making the auction and paddle raise a huge success. Thank you to Michele Ford Floral Design for the beautiful floral arrangements, and to Courtney Main for wonderfully capturing this event.

The event was generously sponsored by Fairfield County Bank, Qualey Tree Services, Spire Therapy, The Marbury Family, and IMA.

To learn more about how you can support Kids In Crisis, explore upcoming events, or get involved as a donor, volunteer, or advocate, please visit kidsincrisis.org.

Because every child deserves to be heard. And no child should face crisis alone.