2025 Events
Sounds of Music Fundraiser, Wilmington MA (May 17, 2025)
On May 17th, we hosted our first ever SMW Foundation Fundraiser! The theme of the night, the Sounds of Music, paid homage to Stephanie not just in its name, but in the incredibly talented musical acts that joined us. Stephanie was a part of four different A Capella music groups during her lifetime, and each one of them performed for us at the fundraiser. When Steph was in high school, her group performed with Boston's very own professional A Capella group, Ball in the House. Now, seventeen years later, Ball in the House took the stage to close out this magical night and ended their performance with a rendition of Stevie Wonders', Superstition, the very song Stephanie soloed on with them all those years ago. Talk about a full circle moment!
The Wilmington Knights of Columbus looked spectacular as a colorful balloon arch and music note backdrop framed out the stage. Speaking of the stage, Stephanie had a portable stage in her classroom in New Jersey that Glenn had built for her a few years ago, and this was the very stage that the performers stood on for this special night. Each of our musical groups dressed in their signature colors and made the stage even brighter. We wanted our guests to each leave with something that Stephanie would have loved, and her passion for candles and the beach inspired the beautiful 'Shine her Light, 444' beach-scented candle that was hand poured in Minnesota (shout out to Loon Lake Candles!)
This night would not have been possible without the amazing performers who filled the venue with their symphony: Soundscape 2025 and Soundscape Alumni, All of the Above (AOTA), Cape Harmony, Basic Pitch, and Ball in the House. Each one of these groups holds a special place in Stephanie's story, and what a blessing it was to see them all come together on this night to celebrate who Stephanie was.
We also need to thank Ryan Breslin, our charismatic host for the evening, as well as our amazing vendors (LaCascia's Bakery, Deli & Catering/Sweet Thistle Floral Design/Wilmington Knights of Columbus/Steven Antonio Photography). It truly takes a village, and we have the best. Thank you to everyone who donated gift baskets and silent auction items-these were fantastic! And our volunteers who helped keep the night moving-from selling raffle tickets to working the kitchen, to keeping everyone in line when we had to exit the building due to the surprise fire alarm (seems appropriate as Stephanie was always one for the dramatic flair)...THANK YOU!
We also need to express our gratitude to everyone who bought a ticket and shared this night with us. To look out at a sold-out venue filled with more love than we could have imagined, it takes our breath away. And then, on top of ticket purchases, raffle ticket sales and silent auction bids, those in attendance raised an additional $6,245 (this was an on the spot ask!) to help fund the LINKED project (for more info on this project, click here)! We were, and still are, blown away. You are helping make Stephanie's dream to be on Broadway come true, and we as her family cannot ask for anything more. We are truly blessed by each and every one of you <3
Scroll down to check out the amazing photos from the night, as well as some of the videos we had trouble playing...
The Wilmington Knights of Columbus looked spectacular as a colorful balloon arch and music note backdrop framed out the stage. Speaking of the stage, Stephanie had a portable stage in her classroom in New Jersey that Glenn had built for her a few years ago, and this was the very stage that the performers stood on for this special night. Each of our musical groups dressed in their signature colors and made the stage even brighter. We wanted our guests to each leave with something that Stephanie would have loved, and her passion for candles and the beach inspired the beautiful 'Shine her Light, 444' beach-scented candle that was hand poured in Minnesota (shout out to Loon Lake Candles!)
This night would not have been possible without the amazing performers who filled the venue with their symphony: Soundscape 2025 and Soundscape Alumni, All of the Above (AOTA), Cape Harmony, Basic Pitch, and Ball in the House. Each one of these groups holds a special place in Stephanie's story, and what a blessing it was to see them all come together on this night to celebrate who Stephanie was.
We also need to thank Ryan Breslin, our charismatic host for the evening, as well as our amazing vendors (LaCascia's Bakery, Deli & Catering/Sweet Thistle Floral Design/Wilmington Knights of Columbus/Steven Antonio Photography). It truly takes a village, and we have the best. Thank you to everyone who donated gift baskets and silent auction items-these were fantastic! And our volunteers who helped keep the night moving-from selling raffle tickets to working the kitchen, to keeping everyone in line when we had to exit the building due to the surprise fire alarm (seems appropriate as Stephanie was always one for the dramatic flair)...THANK YOU!
We also need to express our gratitude to everyone who bought a ticket and shared this night with us. To look out at a sold-out venue filled with more love than we could have imagined, it takes our breath away. And then, on top of ticket purchases, raffle ticket sales and silent auction bids, those in attendance raised an additional $6,245 (this was an on the spot ask!) to help fund the LINKED project (for more info on this project, click here)! We were, and still are, blown away. You are helping make Stephanie's dream to be on Broadway come true, and we as her family cannot ask for anything more. We are truly blessed by each and every one of you <3
Scroll down to check out the amazing photos from the night, as well as some of the videos we had trouble playing...