Maggie Russell ’24
EE Staff Writer
The 16th annual Parker Project Benefit Concert will take place this year on Saturday April 30, 2022 at 7pm in the Trumbull High School auditorium.
The two-hour concert, which includes performances by both the THS Dance Team and Chorus, promises great entertainment as well as an opportunity to support important local causes, according to Cathi LaChioma, Administrative Director of the Rockwell Dance Center, a prominent sponsor of the event.
Previously known as the S.A.M. Benefit Concert, this year’s event will continue to support the Steven A. Merrihew Performing Arts Scholarship, an award granted to THS seniors who are going on to study the performing arts in college.
The scholarship was established in memory of a Trumbull resident and THS graduate who was involved in the performing arts before he was killed tragically and suddenly in August of 2006 at the age of 20 – hit by a tractor trailer on I-95 on his way home from work.
This year’s benefit will also support #CapalboStrong, the community charity associated with Charlie Capalbo, a Fairfield resident and former goalie for Ludlowe High School who has been fighting cancer for the past 5+ years.
Organizers of the event approached Capalbo and asked if they could do this year’s benefit in both his and Steven’s name, according to LaChioma. He agreed but only on the condition that any funds raised for #CapalboStrong would go to two local cancer charities: Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer and LIVFREE.
“True to Charlie’s generosity and kindness – his thoughts are always about others”, said LaChioma.
Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer has a connection to THS. Jim McCaffrey, a THS teacher is Vice President of this foundation. Jim lost his daughter Mia to cancer, and he and his family continue to fight Pediatric Cancer in her name.
LIVFREE was started by Dan and Katrina Vieira of Shelton when their daughter Liv was diagnosed with Leukemia. Liv is a survivor but Dan and Katrina wanted to “pay it forward” for other families and kids with cancer.
Trumbull High School has co-sponsored this event for the past 13 years by donating the use of the auditorium. “This says so much about the Town of Trumbull, THS, its students, faculty, and community in general”, said LaChioma. “We would love to get support from students and faculty to make this year’s event the biggest and best, so that we can pass on all the proceeds in Steven’s name once again and in Charlie’s name”.
The Parker Project is a 501c3 non profit organization and all tickets and donations made to this benefit concert are tax deductible. Tickets for adults are $20, $10 for students & seniors w/ID.They will be available in advance and at the door. To purchase tickets and/or get more information, call 203.502.8315 or email nikole.theparkerproject@gmail.com.
Applications for the Stephen A. Merrihew Performing Arts Scholarship can be found on the Trumbull High School 2021-22 Scholarship Application Portal or in the Media Center. Applications will be due on April 30, 2022.