Thomas Merton Family Center Announces the 31st Annual Celebrity Breakfast Featuring Darryl Strawberry to Support Expanding Community Needs
BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Thomas Merton Family Center, a cornerstone of compassion and support operated by Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, invites the community to its 31st Annual Celebrity Breakfast. This cherished event will take place on May 22nd from 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM at Sacred Heart University’s Martire Family Arena. This year we are honored to welcome Darryl Strawberry, a New York Mets and Yankees legend and four-time World Series champion. His journey of resilience — overcoming addiction and rebuilding his life through faith — promises to be an inspiring highlight of the morning.
In addition, we are thrilled to announce that Bill Mitchell and the Mitchell Family of Mitchells clothing store in Westport will be presented with the Joe Mulcahy Award in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the community. Their generosity over the decades has made a difference in countless lives in Fairfield County and beyond.
Finally, Mark Capozzi and Joan Bragdon will be presented with the Bill Hoey Award for their many hours volunteering in our food pantry. Their compassionate dedication to the families of TMFC is reflected in the smiles of the children who walk through our doors each day and receive a stuffed animal from Mark and Joan.
The Thomas Merton Family Center continues to expand its efforts to meet the growing needs of individuals and families facing food insecurity and financial hardship. Since moving to its new facility in December 2023, the center now serves more guests than ever before, ensuring that every person who walks through its doors is met with dignity, respect, and access to essential resources.
The Thomas Merton Family Center has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of individuals and families seeking assistance over the past 12 months. The center is not just providing meals; it is helping neighbors regain stability and self-sufficiency through case management, housing assistance, and supportive services. The mission goes beyond offering food and shelter — it’s committed to restoring dignity and hope.
The statistics underscore the growing demand: In March alone, the Eat Smart pantry served 616 households and 1,798 individuals, including 94 newly registered households. Meanwhile, the center provided 8,136 meals, including 3,001 breakfasts and 5,135 lunches. The rising demand for these services reflects the broader economic challenges facing the community.
The 31st Annual Celebrity Breakfast aims to raise vital funds to sustain and grow these essential programs. As inflation and economic pressures make it increasingly more difficult for families to afford basic necessities, the Thomas Merton Family Center remains committed to ensuring no one in Bridgeport goes hungry or without support.
Join us in standing with our neighbors by attending this impactful event. Tickets for the breakfast can be purchased at https://TMFCBreakfast.givesmart.com. Your participation and contributions are instrumental in helping us continue our vital work in the Bridgeport community.
For more information about the event, ticket sales, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Marianne Kahn at [email protected] or call 203-520-9507.