The Pacific House Food & Wine Experience, held recently at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel, raised nearly $40,000 to help homeless youth and the Pacific House Young Adult Program.

Community leaders, food and music enthusiasts, and area residents were among hundreds in attendance at the fundraiser, where food was provided by award-winning local restaurants, top chefs and sommeliers. There was also music and a photo booth.

“I’ve been involved in helping the homeless community for over 20 years,” said Jerre Skeats of Darien. “Pacific House does a great job in executing their vision for transitioning people out of homelessness.”

The Young Adult Program helps homeless young adults in lower Fairfield County find housing and connects them with employment, education and support services that prepare them for adulthood.

“Pacific House plays a vital role in our community,” State Rep. Matt Blumenthal said. “Stamford is a place that cares for its own, and that can’t happen without Pacific House.”

The event sponsors are First County Bank, Webster Bank, ShopRite, Joan A. Connor, and the Fred and Joan Weisman Fund. Additional thanks are extended to the vendors including, Bareburger, The Cakery, Columbus Park Trattoria, DiMare Pastry Shop, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Kashi Stamford, Longford’s Ice Cream, Peter Chang, Stamford Sheraton, Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes, Triangles Eats, Westfair Productions and Unbakeables.
“We are grateful to our community partners, sponsors and supporters for making this event a success,” said Rafael Pagan, Jr., executive director of Pacific House. “The people here tonight are the reason we’re able to accomplish the life-changing work that we do.”

Pacific House is the only regional men’s emergency shelter, serving the towns of Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, Darien and beyond.