Photographs by William Taufic.
Organizations
ABC (A Better Chance) of Darien, Norwalk Grassroots Tennis, Special Olympics Tennis, Person to Person
Inspiration
“Scott’s friend Jeff Fager, executive producer of 60 Minutes, and his wife, Melinda, invited us to a fundraiser for ABC (A Better Chance) in New Canaan when we first moved here,” says Jane Pelley. The event made such an impression that the Pelleys called ABC of Darien to get involved.
ABC houses high achieving, underprivileged students and gives them the opportunity to attend great high schools. Sponsor families provide a second home beyond the group housing. Scott explains, “We were intrigued by the idea of effectively turning top American public schools into boarding schools for really bright kids who need a break, need a chance. We saw the terrific relationships the Fagers’ children had with these kids, and we heard what a difference the program made to them. Jane has an enormous humanitarian heart. She believes if you can reach people when they are young, you can have a profound effect on their life going forward.”
Jane comments, “I believe that ABC in Darien has changed the lives of many girls enrolled in the program—changed the trajectory of their lives completely for the better. Just having a new support system of people who believe in you and your potential is a very empowering thing. The same is true for Norwalk Grassroots Tennis. These kids come onto the court to find an entire team of volunteers who want to make their futures brighter. Watching David Kimani [director of tennis and programming] interact with the kids and seeing how much it means to them—it’s a no-brainer for me to want to be involved.”
Courage in Action
The Pelleys hosted two ABC students, Nneoma (from Bridgeport) through her freshman year and Jocelyn (from New Haven) through high school. “Jocelyn is now a junior at American University,” says Jane. “Jocelyn had what a lot of kids in our community take for granted,” says Jane. “She loved so much just to have a sleepover in our basement.” They also hosted her prom and graduation parties.
“The Pelleys have not only hosted an ABC student for several years but were also instrumental in securing the organization’s new house on Tokeneke Road, where the students live during the week. The couple has served as emcees for ABC’s annual fundraiser for several years,” says Darien resident Claire Hunter who nominated the couple.
Jane adds that Scott, who has a busy career as a CBS Evening News anchor and 60 Minutes correspondent, has been an emcee or speaker for Darien Community Association’s men’s group, Person-to-Person, Darien League of Women Voters and Norwalk Grassroots Tennis. The couple has donated tours of the CBS Evening News, with Jane as tour guide. This is all in addition to their support for national charities like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Hopes & Dreams
“Our hope is that the word continues to spread about these programs and that every new generation of Darien residents will hear about them and support them,” says Jane.