The Greenwich Alliance for Education brought together approximately 50 business, philanthropic and community leaders at the Milbrook Club on October 16 for a Business Roundtable Breakfast exploring “The Power of Philanthropy in Public Education.”
Jeff Glor, Nicole Mitchell, John Ledecky, Lucy Ball. Photo credit: Cheryl Moss
Bob Chaney, Mike Chambers, Julie Faryniarz, Trish Rohr and Ralph Mayo. Photo credit: Cheryl Moss
The breakfast was the second event in the Alliance’s 20th anniversary celebration, following Greenwich Alliance Day on September 25. The discussion explored how financial support, personal involvement and community partnerships can expand opportunities for public school students and inspire a lasting commitment to giving back.
Emmy Award-winning journalist Jeff Glor moderated the conversation with Jon Ledecky, Greenwich High School graduate and co-owner of the New York Islanders; Nicole Mitchell, Executive Director of SPIDACARES; and Lucy Ball, Founding Executive Director of the Lone Pine Foundation.
Drawing on their experiences in sports, business and philanthropy, the panelists explored how showing up, sharing personal experiences and leading by example can create lasting opportunities for young people.
Ledecky spoke about the responsibility sports organizations have to the communities they serve and the work of the Islanders Children’s Foundation.
“A sports team is a community trust. The fans are its shareholders, and we are its stewards. Our goal is to change children’s lives through philanthropy, whether that means creating educational opportunities, encouraging physical activity or providing mentorship,” Ledecky said.
Nicole Chaudhri, Laura Kostin, Sue Moretti Bodson, Julie Faryniarz, Trish Rohr and Jen Behette. Photo credit: Cheryl Moss
Mitchell emphasized that everyone has something meaningful to contribute, regardless of financial resources.
“It doesn’t require writing a check. It’s about being present, giving your time and sharing your personal stories – the good, the bad and everything in between. That’s how we change lives,” Mitchell said.
Ball reflected on the importance of teaching generosity through example and the impact that can have across generations, saying, “Giving back is a learned behavior. We have to bring these values forward and model them. When we show people the joy of giving back, they carry those lessons to their children, and the impact continues to grow,” Ball said.
Connecting the conversation to the Alliance’s work, Executive Director Julie Faryniarz shared the words of AVID graduate Lauren Ferreira, who said, “We are living proof that success is possible when someone is willing to invest in you. The Greenwich Alliance amplifies that spark inside us. They invest in our education, our potential and our future.”
AVID Graduates. Photo credit: Cheryl Moss
The student perspective underscored the purpose of the morning’s discussion: how a community’s investment in young people can help shape their futures.
“Strong public schools matter to everyone in our community,” said Nicole Chaudhri, Board Chair of the Greenwich Alliance for Education. “Whether someone contributes time, expertise, ideas or financial support, there is a meaningful role to play. As we celebrate this anniversary, we want to build new partnerships and invite more people to become part of the Alliance’s work.”
The breakfast offered guests an opportunity to strengthen relationships across the business, nonprofit and education communities while looking ahead to the Alliance’s next chapter.
“We are grateful to Jeff, our panelists and everyone who joined us,” Faryniarz added. “Their participation reflects the generosity and commitment that have sustained the Alliance for 20 years and will help shape its future.”
The Greenwich Alliance for Education supports opportunities that help Greenwich Public Schools students learn, grow and achieve. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, the Alliance brings together donors, educators and community partners to invest in students and their futures.