Dear Friends and Supporters of SPHERE,
We are deeply grateful to share the incredible news that this year’s Reach for the Stars Gala was the most successful in SPHERE’s history. Thanks to your generosity, compassion, and belief in our mission, we raised an unprecedented $528,000 to support adults with disabilities through our recreational, educational, and performing arts programs.
From the moment guests arrived at the Amber Room Colonnade, the evening was filled with warmth, joy, and a true sense of community. The heartfelt mission video, the beautifully staged venue, and the inspiring stories shared throughout the night reminded us all of the profound impact SPHERE has on its members, and how essential your support is in making that impact possible.
We were honored to celebrate John and Peggy Loehr as recipients of the Commitment to Service Award. Hearing meaningful reflections from First Selectperson Rudy Marconi, SPHERE Board Member Rebecca Ciota, and the Loehrs’ sons was a touching tribute to a family whose generosity has uplifted SPHERE and the greater Ridgefield community for decades.
A special highlight of the evening was the moving preview from our Performing Arts Program, directed by Emily Pambianchi. Their spirited performance of The Lion King filled the room with joy, pride, and inspiration. The stunning costumes, lovingly designed by Anne Stauff, captured the spirit of the African story, while celebrity makeup artist Amanda Gabbard generously donated her time and talent to bring each character to life with beautiful, expressive detail. Together, they created a moment that reminded us all why we gather every other year—to celebrate the confidence, creativity, and sense of belonging that SPHERE helps our members discover.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the entire Gala Committee for their extraordinary leadership, and to our incredible partners, sponsors, donors, and volunteers for helping make the night unforgettable. We are equally grateful to the more than 330 attendees, families, and local businesses whose enthusiasm and support infused the evening with purpose and possibility.
Because of you, SPHERE can continue to open doors, create meaningful connections, and provide life-enriching opportunities for adults with disabilities. If you were unable to attend, you can still support SPHERE online! Your kindness makes all of this possible, and we are deeply thankful.
With sincere appreciation,
Lori Berisford
SPHERE President & Board Chair
PHOTOS
Our official event photos are now available, beautifully captured by Picture This Photography. Browse the gallery and enjoy the moments that made the night unforgettable.
Learn More About John and Peggy Loehr
Peggy and John were born and raised in the Berkshires. After meeting in high school, attending college, and marrying in 1975, they moved to Boston to pursue career opportunities, where their three children were born. Peggy began her career as a registered nurse after graduating from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in 1974, working at several major Boston hospitals. The family moved to Ridgefield in 1993, and Peggy is currently a staff nurse for a Ridgefield plastic surgeon.
John graduated from St. Anselm College in 1975 and Harvard University in 1979. After a long career in real estate, John retired in 2013 from BlackRock Inc. as a Managing Director, where he served as a pension fund investment advisor. Peggy and John’s three sons attended Ridgefield schools, and they are now raising seven grandchildren.
Since relocating to Ridgefield in 1993, Peggy and John have been actively involved with numerous non-profit organizations. Peggy served as a Director for the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association for three years and The Lounsbury House for six years. John became a board member of Housatonic Habitat for Humanity in 1994 and served as president from 1996-1999. In 2000, John and Peggy, alongside close friends, helped initiate the incorporation of Ridgefield Sunrise Cottage, Inc. to build the group home at 6 Sunset Lane, where John later served as board president. In 2020, John was appointed to the board of directors for Ability Beyond, also serving on its finance committee.
In addition to their involvement with SPHERE, Sunrise Cottage, and Ability Beyond, John and Peggy have been strong supporters of local youth sports, including Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football, as well as community initiatives such as the Boys and Girls Club expansion, Tiger Hollow Stadium construction, the Ridgefield Library renovation, the Aldrich Museum’s “Front Porch” project, and The Ridgefield Playhouse.