PHOTOS: Abilis and Greenwich Jr United Way 6th Annual “Together We Shine” Event Goes Hawaiian

The Abilis Youth Board and Greenwich’s Junior United Way collaborated to host another successful “Together We Shine” event on Saturday night. For a fun twist on the red carpet entrance, attendees made their way down a green grass carpet, in line with the Hawaiian Luau celebration theme.

The evening featured dinner, a DJ and dancing, as well as a photo booth.

The event brings together area high school students and Abilis community members for a fun night celebrating the differences, abilities, needs and dreams in everyone.

The “Together We Shine” event at First Presbyterian Church, a collaboration between the Greenwich Jr United Way and Abilis, boasted a Hawaiian Luau theme and “green carpet” runway. April 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager

“Together We Shine is one of our Abilis community’s favorite events of the year,” said Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis.

“Individuals of all abilities get dressed up, walk the red carpet (this year it is green), and spend time with their friends from Abilis and the local high school students who help make the evening so special. Support from area teens provides an opportunity for our youth to understand the importance of giving back to the community, celebrating diversity, and improving the quality of life for those of all abilities.”

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“We are so proud of our teens from Greenwich Jr. United Way and the Abilis Youth Board who come together and showcase an event that celebrates our diversity while teaching the importance of giving back to your community,” said David Rabin, CEO of Greenwich United Way. “These teens are amazing, as are the adult program managers and volunteers who have stepped up to make Together We Shine a favorite annual event.”

Abilis is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families from birth throughout their lives. Founded in 1951, Abilis is a leader in providing meaningful support to the community in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in towns including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport and Wilton. The organization has a long-standing reputation for individualized, high-quality care.

The “Together We Shine” event at First Presbyterian Church was a collaboration between the Greenwich Junior United Way and Abilis. This year it featured a Hawaiian Luau theme and “green carpet” runway. April 5, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager