Four Seasons Ball’s ‘Emerald Anniversary’ Nov. 16 honors Cindi Bigelow, Bigelow Tea

September 27th, 2019

A family-run company and its CEO will be honored at the “Emerald Anniversary” of The Kennedy Center’s Four Seasons Ball on November 16.

The Kennedy Center's 55th Annual Four Seasons Ball — one of the oldest fundraisers in Fairfield County — will recognize the contributions of Bigelow Tea and President and CEO Cindi Bigelow on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield.

“Similar to The Kennedy Center, Bigelow Tea started at a grassroots level and has grown through the family’s passion, focus on innovation and commitment to community,” said Kennedy Center President and CEO Rick Sebastian. “Through the stewardship of Cindi, her parents and grandparents before her, Bigelow Tea has become a leader in its industry and in its corporate citizenship. Their philanthropic work has made an immense impact on our Kennedy Center community, our state and our country.”

Sebastian said this year’s “Emerald Anniversary” is a fitting nod to the family tea business and represents Cindi Bigelow’s and Bigelow Tea’s commitment to “going green” through environmental sustainability efforts and fostering growth in the local community.

Four Seasons Ball Co-Chairs Peter and Anne Foley, of Fairfield, noted Bigelow has had a long-term investment in improving the lives of the 2,400 individuals with disabilities The Kennedy Center serves each year.

“For nearly twenty years, Cindi, her family and Bigelow Tea have created opportunities for people with disabilities through the support of The Kennedy Center’s programs,” said Anne Foley. “Cindi, personally, has never shied away from putting in hard work that makes a difference, including her support of The Kennedy Center’s Adopt-A-Home Program.”

The Four Seasons Ball is The Kennedy Center’s premier fundraiser. The not-for-profit offers a lifespan of services for individuals with disabilities and special needs, ranging from the arts to employment.

Guests at the semi-formal event will enjoy a 6:30 p.m. social hour, a gourmet four-course dinner at 7:30 p.m., followed by dancing to the music of Atomic Funk. The evening includes interactive games, along with fabulous prizes and a silent auction, available to guests and to online bidders. Attendees will also get an exclusive preview of the artwork to be featured in The Kennedy Center’s 2020 A Unique Perspective Calendar.

Several local residents are helping to make this year’s ‘Emerald Anniversary’ a success. Four Seasons Ball Committee members include:

Fairfield residents Corey Allen, Kate Browning, Kelly Holtz and Brittany Hawker; Trumbull residents Vanessa Fahy, Nancy Fahy and Nancy Dennin, Shelton residents Dottie Kellersman and Bonnie Smith, Adam and Andrea Stevko of Milford, Michele Macauda of Monroe, Clare DeSalvo of Darien, Diane Thompson of Sandy Hook, Deb Kane of Ansonia and Jo Ann McMullan of Wilton.

Generous sponsors of the 55th annual ball include: Bigelow Tea, Bill and Gloria Paul, People’s United Bank, The Bannow-Larson Foundation, The Macauda Family, Bank or America, GE Energy Financial Services, Fifth Third Bank, The Foley Family, Newtown Savings Bank, Kevin and Sandy Walsh, Pete and Carla Gavey, Mary Brown & Family, BlumShapiro, Merit Insurance/A.J. Gallagher Co., R.D. Scinto, Inc., Fairfield University and Diane Allison & David Godfrey. 

Click to purchase your tickets to the Four Seasons Ball!

To become an event sponsor or congratulate Cindi Bigelow and Bigelow Tea through The Four Seasons Ball Tribute Journal, contact Director of Donor Relations ​Stephanie Campbell at 203-365-8522 Ext. 2084 or [email protected].

(Pictured Above: Cindi Bigelow (right) with Broadhurst Home resident Susan Joyce. Cindi and Bigelow Tea staff volunteered at Broadhurst as part of The Kennedy Center's Adopt-A-Home effort.)