Fairfield County Scene: Dec. 27

Former New York Yankees ace pitcher David Cone was among more than 400 people who packed the Greenwich Country Club on Nov. 7 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut's Celebrating Wishes Ball.

The event raised more than $500,000 to support the foundation in its mission to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Attendees were introduced to this year's Wish Child, 17-year-old Matthew Franceschini of Ridgefield. Franceschini, an avid football fan diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, had his wish come true when he and his family were flown to Nashville, Tenn., to meet the Tennessee Titans National Football League team. Franceschini created a DVD about his experience and premiered it at the event.

The event was hosted by Cone of Stamford, Chris Russo of Sirius Satellite Radio and Bob Lorenz of the YES Network. Neil DeFeo, CEO of the Sun Products Corporation, was honorary corporate chair and presenting sponsor.

For more information, call 203-261-9044 or visit www.ct.wish.org.

Benefit at Agabhumi

Stamford-based Agabhumi, the Best of Bali, opened its fifth store in Westport on Oct. 28, with a retail benefit in support of the Mobile Mammography Unit of the Bennett Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital.

Town of Westport officials were among more than 30 people who attended the shopping fundraiser, raising several hundred dollars and bringing the total raised by Agabhumi in October to more than $2,000. Agabhumi also sells a line of jewelry created to benefit the cancer center throughout the year.

Guests enjoyed appetizers by Finalmente Restaurant in Westport and music by Vinnie Ferrone of Newark, N.J.

The Mobile Mammography unit provides breast cancer screenings to area women without access to the diagnostic test.

"We all have been touched by cancer and consider this one of the most important fundraising events we do each year," Regina Kirshbaum, Agabhumi's co-founder, said at the event. "We are always gratified to see how the community comes out to support these efforts."

For more information, call 203-276-1000 or visit www.stamfordhospital.org. Agabhumi, the Best of Bali's new store is at 165 Post Road E., Westport. Call 203-557-0188.

Wine and Cheese

Supporters of the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra sampled more than 50 fine wines, spirits and cheese during an Oct. 16 benefit for the GSO at Richards of Greenwich.

Nearly 200 people attended the Greenwich Symphony Wine & Cheese Festival, raising $21,000 for the GSO's Young People's Concerts for area students.

Guests enjoyed wine provided by Terry Rogers of Horseneck Wine & Liquor in Greenwich and a musical performance by GSO vibrist Larry Spivack and his Lucky 37 Jazz Quartet. Author George M. Taber, a former editor at Time magazine, signed copies of his new book, "In Search of Bacchus: Wanderings in the Wonderful World of Wine Tourism."

Jack Morris of Greenwich, co-chairman of the event, announced to the crowd that it was the fifth time that Scott Mitchell and Richards has hosted the event and the sixth year Rogers had arranged for the wine sampling.

The GSO gives several performances annually at Greenwich High School. Call 203-869-2664 or visit http://greenwichsym.org.

Save these dates

8th Annual Bobby Valentine Celebrity Wine & Food Experience To benefit scholarships for students in Stamford high schools and Stamford area youth sports organizations. Jan. 11. Hyatt Regency, 1800 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich. 203 524-4601, bv8betsy@aol.com.

6th Annual Alphabet Ball A masquerade-themed dinner dance and celebration featuring live music and silent and live auctions. March 27. Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa, 243 Tresser Blvd. 203-323-5944, ext. 137.

Stamford Symphony Orchestra concert Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, Behind the Baton presentation by music director Eckart Preu and Mozart concert featuring violinist Elena Urioste; to benefit New Covenant House. Jan. 16. Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford. NCH@ccfc-ct.org.