A Nautical Night

Abilis

Ahoy! Abilis, the nonprofit supporting people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities, launched its seventh decade of continuous service to the area with “Anchors Aweigh for Abilis.” Chaired by Alice Stuart, the gala dinner at the Stamford Yacht Club honored Leandro “Lee” Rizzuto Jr. for his support of Abilis’s farm project. At his invitation, adults supported by Abilis Employment Services plan to grow vegetables and flowers on a portion of his farm in North Stamford. Alexandra Woodruff, one of the Abilis farmers, talked about her life during dinner.

Guests were greeted with sailor’s caps and cocktails (the natural choice? A Sea Breeze!), Dean Allen kept live and silent auctions moving, and the crowd danced a perfect night away to music by Bobby Laman’s band. As a thank you, guests took home samples of fragrant soaps made by adults with disabilities that will be sold through Abilis’ new store training site in the Glenville area of Greenwich.