Ridgefield Playhouse’s 8th Annual Bernie Williams Day Raises $25K

**News Release Submitted by The Ridgefield Playhouse**

July 30, 2024

On July 27, 2024, the Ridgefield Playhouse hosted its Eighth Annual Bernie Williams Day Celebrity Softball Game and All-Star Concert. Baseball legends Bernie Williams, Doc Gooden, Jeff Nelson, and others teamed up to help raise $25,000 for the Playhouse Leir Foundation Arts in Education (AIE) Program, introducing students, no matter their economic background, to the arts – for FREE – through a full roster of one hour, curriculum-related shows.

"Bernie Williams Day is a longstanding Playhouse tradition featuring a star-studded day with celebrities from the worlds of sports and music, all to benefit the Ridgefield Playhouse Arts in Education program,” said Ashley Paltauf, Executive Director. “Ridgefield Playhouse is proud to be fostering accessibility and affordability of arts education throughout Connecticut and New York. We believe that advancing the arts is an essential element of schooling and life-long learning, as students are encouraged to explore diverse perspectives and expand their imaginations. Through the enthusiasm and contributions of our community, we have established one of the most significant Arts in Education programs in the region.”

“Due to the overwhelming success of our free 20th Anniversary AIE season, we are committed to continuing the mission of keeping the program free of charge going forward,” stated Jodi Simon Stewart, Arts in Education Director. "Monies raised will help us offer 33 curriculum-rich, in person and virtual performances this school year, as well as assist many Title I schools with free buses, lunches and books that are tied to the shows, ensuring that schools from all communities in our region benefit from theater arts education."

New York Knicks all-star, John Starks, American Idol winner, Nick Fradiani, among others also came to support the cause. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s bandleader, Louis Cato and guitarist, singer and songwriter Orianthi joined Bernie and His Band of Friends for the all-star concert that wrapped up the day.

The Ridgefield Playhouse Eighth Annual Bernie Williams Day Celebrity Softball Game and All-Star
Concert was made possible by generosity of our donors, sponsors and supporters:

HOME RUN: The Donofrio Family
TRIPLE: Canine Training & Behavior Services, LLC, Merrill a Bank of America Co.
DOUBLE: BMW of Ridgefield, Durants Party Rentals, M&T Bank, Carol & Tom Newman, Tiger Sports
SINGLE: Blue Moon, Nuvance Health, Ridgefield Rotary Club

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT BY: Bailey’s Backyard, Bedford New Canaan Magazine, Bridge Street Premium Ice Company, Campari, Dr. Blaine Langberg, Freixenet Mionetto, Local-Insta, MBW Lawyers, The Painted Cookie, Pop Art! Kids, Town of Ridgefield, WHUD Radio