Fairfield County Scene: Jan. 3

Supporters of ARI of Connecticut enjoyed an evening of nonstop laughter at the nonprofit's first-ever Comedy Night Oct. 24 at Stamford's Hibernian Hall.

More than 100 people attended the event, which raised thousands of dollars for ARI. The show featured stand-up performances from comedians Rob Falcone, Rich Ramirez and Richie Byrne of Treehouse Comedy Productions.

Guests also enjoyed silent and live auctions, happy hour, open bar, dinner and dessert. Peter Buck, event co-chairman; and Matthew Reyher, president of ARI, both thanked guests for their support of the nonprofit.

Sponsors were Benefit Planning Services, Creative Pension Design & Administration, Lee Combrinck-Graham M.D., The Norgren Family, The Russo Family, The Staines Family, Yankee Electric, Morgan Stanley-Smith Barney and Mario Musilli Esq.

ARI of Connecticut, at 174 Richmond Hill Ave. in Stamford, provides jobs, homes and services to more than 200 adults with developmental disabilities. Visit www.arict.org.

Holiday food and wine

The Stamford-based Women's Mentoring Network hosted a Holiday Food & Wine from Around the World party Nov. 14 to benefit its adult and youth education services and scholarships.

Held at Bank Street Events in Stamford, the event drew nearly 120 people and raised $15,000 for various programs, including women's secondary education and children's tutoring.

Guests enjoyed international food and wine provided by Bank Street Events, dancing and a silent auction.

WMN, at 141 Franklin St. in Stamford, provides career, educational and personal resources to promote permanent financial independence for economically and socially disadvantaged women and their families in lower Fairfield County. Visit www.wmninc.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.

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.

A Gershwin Valentine The Yew York All-Star Big Band performs the music of George Gershwin to benefit the Greenwich Choral Society. Feb. 14. Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Ave. 203-622-5136, www.greenwichchoralsociety.org or e-mail greenwich.choral@verizon.net.

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