The Townies know Westport.
The Townies — specifically Marcy Sansolo, Darcy Hicks, Jaime Bairaktaris, Melissa Kane and Julie Buoy Whamond — took first place in the Adult Division at CLASP Homes’ Un-Scavenger Hunt last weekend.
With creativity, humor, and an uncanny knowledge of Westport history and culture, a few dozen teams deciphered clues. They then took photos and videos of themselves at some of the town’s iconic locations: the Compo Beach cannons, Toquet Hall, Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge and more.
Townies and friends, at the original YMCA.
The Townies had a great time doing it. They also won a boat cruise on Leigh Overland’s 42-foot yacht.
Marcy Sansoloi (left) and her fellow Townies kick it up after solving the Toquet Hall clue.
They were followed by Team G (Wendy Griffiths; Dragone Motors private tour); Connect Westport (Debbie O’Keefe, Deborah Casey, Kim Sherman; dinner for 4 at Bartaco); Sill Scavengers (Neil Markman; Eric, Nicholas and Noelle Stine-Markman; Lillian’s boat cruise); The Merry Marys (Mary Lou and Chuck Roels, Mary Surette; Bruce Katz Family prize of $250), and ARGenovese (Ariel Genovese, Tim Proctor).
Displaying horse sense at the Compo Beach cannons.
First place in the Student Division went to Team Guiduli. Led by Bruno Guiduli, and fellow Staples High School soccer players Matthew Jordan and Aidan Mermagen, they earned the Leader Family $500 first prize.
1st place in the Student Division (from left): Aidan Mermagen, Matthew Jordan, Bruno Guiduli.
Two other Staples soccer teams snagged the other 2 top spots. La Tortuga (Lucas Carpi, Chase Watkins, Jeremy and Eli Rosenkrantz, James Corridon) won Burt’s Trees’ $300 prize; Santi Alfageme, Avery Mueller and Nate Fridland captured Burt’s Trees’ $200 prize.
Lucas Carpi (lower left) and his team.
Darcy Hicks — a Townie team member — said, “This scavenger hunt was more than just that. It was what we needed after this year — all of us. You have no idea what a gift it was.”
One of the clues was about all the famous bands like the Doors and Cream that played at Staples.
The event was a fundraiser for CLASP Homes. The organization helps people with autism and intellectual disabilities lead full, meaningful lives. The lead sponsor was Keller Williams Luxury.
Several teams made touching videos, for CLASP clients. Others held up signs ofo support.
Organizers hope to make the Un-Scavenger Hunt — there was no time limit, just a premium on fun — an annual event.
Lettin’ loose at the Levitt.
Missed the event, and want to donate? Click here.
Dan – thank you so much for highlighting these wonderfully creative “hunters”. After 14 months of being cooped up, and rather depressed, these participants really helped to spread joy all over Westport!!!
Dan- your clues were spot on. I hope it was a great success for the clasp house and that they’ll bring the event back again next year. A good time was had by all.