Greenwich Nonprofit Appears On 'Today Show' And Receives Heartfelt Donation

GREENWICH, CT — On Christmas morning, Greenwich-based nonprofit Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.) was featured on the 'Today Show' during a special holiday segment of 'Jenna & Friends,' which was co-hosted by Greenwich residents Jenna Hager and Henry Hager, friends and supporters of the organization.

The nonprofit provides legal advocacy grants and educational resources to families of children with disabilities. S.E.L.F. is committed to promoting equitable access to special education services and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

"S.E.L.F. extends its deepest thanks to Jenna, Henry, and the entire Today Show team for this extraordinary opportunity," a news release on the appearance said. "Special appreciation is also extended to S.E.L.F. staff attorney Laura Sullivan, Brittany Diggs and her wonderful girls, and to longtime partners Wealthspire Advisors and Winston Preparatory School for helping orchestrate what became a truly unforgettable moment - described as a Christmas miracle - for Henry and for S.E.L.F."

During the broadcast, 'Jenna & Friends' featured an inspiring on-air show of support from Wealthspire Advisors and Winston Preparatory School, two of S.E.L.F.’s longstanding partners.

In a heartfelt tribute to John H. Hager, former Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, devoted advocate for disability rights, and beloved father of Henry Hager, Wealthspire Advisors and Winston Preparatory School each made a $10,000 donation to S.E.L.F. in his honor. These gifts were made to the John H. Hager Memorial Fund, furthering S.E.L.F.’s work to ensure families have access to critical legal advocacy and educational resources.

"We are deeply grateful to our friends at Wealthspire, particularly Mike LaMena, Michael Delgass and Chris Izmirlian, as well as to our partners at Winston Preparatory School, especially Scott Bezsylko and Beth Sugerman," said S.E.L.F. Executive Director Christine Lai. "Their generosity honors John H. Hager’s legacy in the most meaningful way - by expanding opportunity, advocacy, and hope for students and families nationwide, and by demonstrating unwavering leadership in support of S.E.L.F.’s mission."

Special Education Legal Fund also extends heartfelt thanks to NBCUniversal and the Today Show production team for providing such a powerful national platform.

"Access to quality education should never depend on circumstance," said Michael Delgass, Managing Director, Wealthspire Advisors. "Wealthspire is proud to support the Special Education Legal Fund and the vital advocacy it provides to families when they need it most."

"Every student deserves an education that recognizes and responds to how they learn," said Beth Sugerman, Chief Enrollment Officer, Winston Preparatory School. "That belief is at the heart of Winston Prep’s long-standing support of the Special Education Legal Fund and the families it serves."