On any Wednesday, it would be a no-brainer to nominate Bill Mitchell as “06880”‘s Unsung Hero.
For over 60 years — since working in his parents Ed and Norma’s small men’s clothing store, through overseeing its expansion to 9 upscale locations around the country, and now in retirement — he has been much more than a “clothier” (his self-description).
Bill’s generosity, mentorship, friendship, openness and kindness has changed countless lives. His impact on Westport, Fairfield County — and far beyond — is immeasurable.
Bill would not want to be singled out. He would be embarrassed by a longer list here of his good deeds and great works.
Bill Mitchell
But this is my blog, not Bill’s. So I’m proud to pass on the good news about 3 upcoming events at which he will be honored for his leadership, service, and deep commitment to our community.
(That’s Bill: Most people get one function. He gets 3.)
The Pioneer Scholarship Gala (April 26, 6:30 p.m., Sacred Heart University) is the school’s premier fundraiser. Bill is chair for the evening. The guest speaker is his longtime friend: NCAA president and former Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker. He’ll be joined by his wife, Staples High School graduate Lauren Schadt Baker.
The evening includes a cocktail hour, dinner, program and dancing. For more information, click here.
The RAM Council is a New Canaan-based non-profit that empowers youth to make healthy, substance-free choices.
Their 9th annual Gala (May 3, 6:30 p.m., Country Club of New Canaan) will fete Bill for his decades of work, helping young people lead lives with purpose and confidence. For more information, click here.
Then on May 22 (7 to 9 a.m., Sacred Heart University), Bill and the Mitchell family will receive the Joe Mulcahy Award for their decades-long dedication to the community, at the Thomas Merton Family Center’s 31st annual Celebrity Breakfast.
Keynote speaker Darryl Strawberry — baseball legend and 4-time World Series champion — will share his inspiring journey of recovery and faith. The fundraiser will help TMFC provide food, housing assistance and stability to thousands across the Bridgeport area. For more information, click here.
Congratulations Bill, on these 3 great honors. They are small thanks indeed, for the large mark you have made on all of us.
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
I went into Mitchell’s and a friendly salesman walked me around got me coffee and a toasted English with cream cheese. Very friendly and attentive no pressure.
He stepped away and I asked a clerk “What’s that salesman’s name?” She said “He’s Bill Mitchell, the owner‼️”
All these honors, including the unsung hero, are greatly deserved
I grew up with the Mitchell’s and the whole family is wonderful. What you see is what you get!
As a little boy in the 60’s, I recall being taken to Mitchell’s and receiving personalized attention by Mr. Mitchell. Congratulations for a life of service to the community.
Bravo Bill !! Well deserved. I’ve known Bill and family since I was a little kid. People don’t know half the awesome things he has done behind the scenes.
Congratulations, Bill!
Well-deserved honors to one of Westport’s best!
Wynne Vaast
wvaast@sbcglobal.net
I knew Bill’s parents lived at Southport Woods maybe 38 years ago when I had an aunt who lived there too. And I do remember Bill from the golf range. He deserves every bit of recognition! And I do have a Darryl Strawberry story I’d like him to read. In the late 1990s, I took my son to Seattle to go to two Yankee games and we stayed in the same hotel as the Yankees. Darryl Strawberry stood at the bottom of the escalator for 40 minutes signing autographs! That really made an impression on me. I can’t remember the exact year, but we were there when Randy Johnson got traded and some of the Yankees were down in the lobby that morning in their pajamas chatting about it with Joe Torre.
If memory serves, Bill was also a counselor/Assistant Coach at at Coach Paul Lane and Coach Albie Loeffler’s All Sports Day Camp in the late 50’s. Bill would pick a few of us up in his Ford woodie and drive us to then Staples High School (Now Saugatuck El, I believe) on Riverside Avenue. Bill may have taught tennis (?) on those great old clay courts among all the other fantastic sports I was lucky enough to get championship level coaching in at such an early age.
Thanks for the ride, Bill.
Bill Mitchell and the Mitchell family represent the best of the human spirit.
A number of years ago I was asked to speak at my friend Scott “Hoover” Wilder’s memorial service a few days before the Saturday afternoon it was scheduled.
This being a special occasion required me to get a suit at Mitchell’s. I went there on a Tuesday afternoon and talked to Bill to see if this mission could be accomplished. He could not have been any more gracious or helpful. He and his staff had the suit ready by Thursday afternoon. I had plenty of other important occasions that same year to wear that suit and remember Bill’s kindness and friendship.
Congratulations and thanks to Bill and the Mitchell Family.
Congratulations Bill! We played football for our Staples Wreckers in 1958,59 and 60! A great athlete and friend.
Great pick!
I worked at Ed Mitchell’s my senior year in high school. Billy had a new wife and a new Chevy Chevelle, which he let me drive errands. The business was truly a family operation. located in Colonial Green. Billy taught me more than clothes, he taught me how to meet customers and make them happy. He is truly a wonderful human being and this town is lucky to have such a “unsung hero.”
Super excited for the Hamlet, everyone I talk to in town wants it to be completed. Other than Railroad place the rest of the area is rough.
Great family