One of the biggest fundraisers of the year — Pink Aid‘s “Pink Royale” — takes place tomorrow (Thursday, Mitchells of Westport, 6 to 10 p.m.).
The Breast Cancer Awareness Month evening aims to raise $1.5 million to support Pink Aid’s work keeping patients financially afloat during treatment, with help for rent, utilities, transportation and more. The non-profit was founded in Westport. It’s now national in scope.
The guest speaker is Tina Knowles. The breast cancer survivor, philanthropist, businesswoman — and mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles — was diagnosed after falling behind on routine mammograms when her scheduled screening was canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She will speak about her journey, including the importance of early detection.
The evening will honor breast cancer survivors with the Celebration of Life Warrior Fashion Show, a Pink Aid tradition that celebrates survivorship and the people behind each journey. Breast cancer survivors will walk alongside family members and friends who supported them through diagnosis and treatment.
The event also includes a designer fashion show, silent auction, and performances by Staples High School musicians.
Unable to attend? Click here to donate.
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Over 40 startups “pitched” Startup Westport, to be part of this year’s Pitch Competition.
Sixteen — in industries like healthcare, wellness and education — from across the state were chosen to participate in an intensive boot camp. They refined their ideas, strengthened their presentation, and prepared to pitch in front of a live audience and panel of judges.
Now, the 4 finalists have been announced. They’ll compete on November 19 (6 p.m., Westport Library) for $30,000 in prizes (first prize: $25,000). They are:
Batch Global: A global sperm donation marketplace designed to make the process of finding and connecting with donors more accessible.
PayScopeMD: An AI-powered platform that helps physicians benchmark employment contracts and better understand their compensation.
Biome Botanicals: A natural digestive health company developing botanical-based products that support digestive wellness.
Starteryou: An AI-powered work-based learning platform connecting people with real-world work experiences and opportunities to build career-ready skills.
Audience registration is open; click here.
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Does our beloved American flag unite us today? Or does it divide us?
That’s the question explored by a wide variety of citizens in “Flagged,” a documentary co-written and directed by a woman who lost her firefighter husband on 9/11.
It will be screened tonight (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Earthplace amphitheater). The event includes snacks and beverages, a guided conversation after the film, and an appearance by singer Suzanne Sheridan.
Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, click here.
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Where do our General Assembly hopefuls stand on environmental issues?
Sustainable Westport, the League of Women Voters of Westport and Earthplace all host a candidate debate, featuring candidates for State Senate District 26 and State House Districts 136 and 143.
It’s at Town Hall October 13. There’s a “Mix and Mingle” at 6 p.m., followed by the debate at 7.
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One of the great Staples High School boys soccer traditions — besides winning — is Quiz Night.
Varsity, junior varsity and freshman players, parents and siblings join in a fun evening of trivia (and fundraising: It’s $25 to play). There are prizes, raffles, food — and everyone learns something.
This past Sunday featured questions like “Who is the leading scorer in US soccer national team history?”
Many players confidently said, “a tie between Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan.”
Nope! The answer: Abby Wambach.
Other questions from longtime quizmaster and former head coach Dan Woog included the number of black keys on a piano (36), the artist with the hit “Birds of a Feather” and her relationship to Staples (Billie Eilish; her father went there), and the famous person with whom JK Rowling shares a birthday (Harry Potter).
Congratulations to the winners: Luke Diederich, Jack Fenn, Oliver Lynch, Charles Nivaud, Luca Roberts, Michael Roberts, Zach Selig and Harrison Welsh.
A friendly competition: Staples boys soccer Quiz Night. (Photo/Gustavo Reyna)
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Thomas Orofino died peacefully at his home on Saturday. He was 79.
A resident of Westport for 44 years, he spent the last 13 years at his home near Compo Beach, a place that brought him great joy.
A graduate of Villanova University, Tom owned and operated his own company, Collateral Guarantee, for many years. In later years he enjoyed working as a commercial real estate agent.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Leslie; children Tom (Kelly) of Westport, and Liz Simpson (Matt) of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Colin, Olivia and Liam Orofino, and Connor, Cameron, and Bryn Simpson.
A funeral is set for Friday (October 9, 11 a.m., St. Luke Church), with a Mass of Christian burial. Condolences may be left online.
Tom Orofino
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Janine Scotti was struck by the clash of 2 holidays, and snapped it for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
“Too soon, Rudolph!” she writes.
(Photo/Janine Scotti)
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And finally …happy 71st birthday to Yo-Yo Ma!
(Yo! You like “06880”? Click here to support us, bro!)
I knew Tom Orofino from our occasional lunch encounters at Oscar’s. Always liked him; one of the good guys.