During our darkest moments, we need to be reminded of one another's humanity. Nothing did that for me more so than the Fairfield Cheers lawn sign project, and I want to share with you the kindness, generosity and gratitude that I witnessed in the hopes that it provides you some light as well. I also want to thank the community for making this project such a success and in the end raising over $8,000 for Operation Hope and The Center for Family Justice.
The project in its entirety became a community endeavor. First, thank you Tori Mileti, a young Southport artist and recent Ludlowe alumna, who within a few hours created the artwork for the signs.
A huge thank you to Charlotte Hommel, who reached out as soon as she heard about the project to inform me of Johnson & Johnson's charitable arm that would match any donations.
Thank you to the many, many strangers who ordered signs and volunteered to help me deliver them.
An especially grateful thank you is owed to Debra Mahony, for her generosity and enthusiasm for this project. Debra ordered and delivered dozens of signs to her friends throughout town while always donating much more than was necessary.
Countless people donated far more than was requested for their single sign — to you all, I say the most heartfelt, "thank you."
This project was such a bright reminder of how special our community is, eager to step up when needed. In the midst of such challenging and often divisive times, it is important to take a moment and reflect on the kindness here in Fairfield and beyond and be grateful.
Jennifer Leeper
Fairfield Board of Education member and Democratic candidate for State House of Representatives District 132
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