Coco Siebert, Catherine Wise, Keeley Hynes | Source: Fairfield County Look
Every child deserves a safe place. On February 27, that promise filled the room. During a sold-out evening of 325 guests in attendance at the Journey into the Jungle Gala at Stamford’s Loading Dock, the community rallied to support Kids In Crisis.
Led by Gala Co-Chairs Keeley Hynes, Coco Siebert, and Catherine Wise, the evening was transformed into a celebration of purpose. Guests gathered in jungle attire for spirited cocktails, a seated dinner, and live music and dancing by Roctopus.
While the night was energetic, the focus was clear. SafeHaven, one of Connecticut’s only children’s shelters, provides emergency shelter and crisis care for children during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. In 2025 alone, SafeHaven provided 2,249 nights of care and Kids In Crisis served 6,233 children and families across its programs.
The heart of the evening came during a moving video testimony from former SafeHaven resident Brina Patino. As her story unfolded, the room grew still. Guests listened as she shared how SafeHaven became a turning point in her life, a place where she felt protected, supported, and safe.
Following the video, the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation for Brina, a moment that reflected not only admiration for her courage but a shared understanding of why this work matters.
The evening included remarks from Gala Co-Chairs, whose leadership brought Journey into the Jungle to life, as well as encouraging words from Senator Blumenthal, who acknowledged the vital role Kids In Crisis plays in protecting children and strengthening communities.
Through a live auction and paddle raise, led by auctioneer Nick Dawes, guests generously supported SafeHaven and the other Kids In Crisis services, including school-based counseling programs and the new 24/7 crisis texting hotline launching this summer. Together, raising more than $345,000.
Kids In Crisis extends gratitude for the dedication of the Gala Co-chairs Keeley Hynes, Coco Siebert, and Catherine Wise, Gala Committee, and volunteers who made the evening possible. Thank you to the generous Gala Sponsors, Davis & Gilbert, DLA Piper, Fairfield County Look, Fenwick, Freshfields, Granoff Architects, Greenwich Dentistry, Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich Lifestyle, Holland & Knight, Jackson Lewis, Kairos Growth Advisors, Lindsey Leonard Creative, Lucky Dog Refuge, Silver Golub & Teitell LLP, Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, Stamford Health, and Washville for your support and generosity. Special thanks to Roctopus for bringing energy to the dance floor and to auctioneer Nick Dawes for turning inspiration into action.
The sold-out success of Journey into the Jungle was a reminder of what is possible when a community shows up. But while the evening was a celebration, the need does not end when the lights go down. SafeHaven’s doors remain open 365 days a year. Children continue to arrive in crisis. The demand for emergency shelter and mental health support continues to grow.
The Gala was a meaningful step forward, and the work continues. Make a gift today to keep SafeHaven’s doors open 365 nights a year.
