Greenwich Alliance Celebrates 20-Years & the Power of Philanthropy in Education
Supporters of the Greenwich Alliance for Education gathered at the Milbrook Club on Friday, for the 20th Anniversary Business Roundtable. The breakfast brought together business leaders, philanthropists and stakeholders for an inspiring event focused on the power of philanthropy in education.
The Greenwich Alliance for Education is the education foundation dedicated to supporting the Greenwich Public Schools. It is committed to providing STEM enrichment, performing arts opportunities, academic mentoring & support and shared experiences outside the classroom for all students.
Emmy-award winning journalist Jeff Glor moderated a panel that included Jon Ledecky (co-owner of the New York Islanders), Nicole Mitchell (Executive Director of SpidaCares) and Lucy Ball (Executive Director of the Lone Pine Foundation). Each of the panelists has made significant contributions toward supporting education-related initiatives in their respective communities and beyond.
Greenwich Alliance for Education Board Chair Nicole Chaudhri shared statistics on why the Greenwich Public Schools need a philanthropic partner; according to figures for the 2025-2026 school year, nearly 20 % of Greenwich students qualify for free and reduced priced lunch. At four of the district’s schools, 40%-60% of students qualify.
Jon Ledecky spoke about the work of the New York Islanders Foundation to support the needs of school-aged children, “We try to support needs of children with special needs, childhood diseases, and children needing educational pathways and opportunities… In our view, a sports team is a community trust. The shareholders are the fans and we are stewards, not owners. In the last ten years we’ve raised over $20 million with our community and partners and redistributed it.”
Nicole Mitchell, explained what guides SpidaCares, the family foundation started with her son, basketball star Donovan Mitchell… “We’re a family foundation and keep everything grounded in our family values… We help a few families and follow students all the way through college and beyond. I’m a first-generation American and at one point worked four jobs while my children were in school. I’m proud of that. I had to do what I had to do, and I look for families who share that work ethic and commitment.
Lucy Ball, described the unique model of the Lone Pine Foundation saying, “Every employee donates every year, and regardless of how much they give, they get one equal vote about where funds are distributed. It’s empowering, and it creates an incredible culture at the firm. Everyone’s voice matters and everyone feels included… Our mission is to fight poverty through education where our employees live, primarily Fairfield County and New York City.”
Greenwich Alliance for Education Executive Director, Julie Faryniarz closed out the event with a deeply moving quote from a recent college graduate who was a beneficiary of services from the Alliance saying, “We are living proof that success is possible when someone is willing to invest in you. Every student has already demonstrated that they are capable, driven, and determined. The Greenwich Alliance amplifies that spark inside us. They invest in our education, our potential, and our future.”
More information about the Greenwich Alliance for Education can be found on the organization’s website, https://greenwichalliance.org/.
Comments