PHOTOS: Stepping into the Enchanted Forest at “Together We Shine” with Abilis

The annual “Together We Shine” event took place Saturday at Christ Church. The event, which first took place in 2018 and was an instant hit, had paused briefly due to Covid.

But, back with a bang, the event featured a red carpet lined with teens to help celebrate everyone’s arrival. Once inside guests made their way to tables decorated in an enchanted forest theme and then onto the dance floor.

Cameras were flashing. The red carpet was unfurled. Guests arrived in style and were greeted by the paparazzi

Greenwich based teen volunteers led by the Greenwich Jr United Way, along with the Greenwich United Way at large and Abilis hosted the event.

The “enchanted forest” themed event highlighted the critical work of teen activism, volunteerism and creating a community of inclusion.

“This incredibly special event has become one that we all look forward to each year, and it’s clear why. The joy, the laughter, the incredible feeling of everyone coming together – it’s so wonderful,” said Amanda Finn, Greenwich Junior United Way Program Coordinator and GHS Social Worker. “I feel so lucky to be part of it. We live in an amazing community, and you can feel that at Together We Shine.”

“Together We Shine is the most anticipated event of the year,” said Lisa Bria, activities manager for Abilis. “As for our clients, the ability to walk the red carpet in their formal attire and to be treated like celebrities is extraordinarily special.”  

Avery Imp, a GHS senior who is the Junior United Way president said, “After spending the last several months planning this event, it was so gratifying to see it come together. We all loved cheering on our guests as they came down the red carpet and had so much fun together on the dance floor.”

This year’s event sponsors include Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Coughlin Insurance Services, Michael Coughlin, Eleana Reinartz, Wayfinder Consulting LLC, Joel Singer, Founders Entertainment, Jordy Wolowitz, Costco Port Chester, Greenwich Town Party, the Frano Family, and the Imp Family.

Live music was sponsored by Jonathan Kantor, David Kantor, Barbara Zay, Anna Jacobson and Bob Leinbach, and magician entertainment was sponsored by Julian Meunier.