Darien, Conn. (October 6, 2025) – Person to Person (P2P) is proud to announce that entrepreneurs and philanthropists André and Michelle Swanston will be honored at the 2026 Rising Together Benefit. The Swanstons are recognized for their extraordinary commitment to advancing economic opportunity, youth development and community empowerment. These values reflect the very heart of P2P’s mission to provide families in Fairfield County with the essentials that bring stability, hope and opportunity.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized by Person to Person, an organization whose mission resonates so strongly with our own values,” says André and Michelle Swanston. “Our journey has always been about breaking barriers and creating pathways for others, whether in business, sports or community service. To see young people thrive, families find stability and communities strengthened is the greatest return on investment we could imagine. We are proud to stand alongside P2P in building a future where every family has the chance to succeed.”
The 2026 Rising Together Benefit will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Hyatt Greenwich. The evening will bring together business leaders, community advocates and changemakers to celebrate the Swanstons’ impact, with musical entertainment by the legendary S.O.S. Band.
We are overwhelmed to announce The S.O.S. Band as our 2026 Rising Together headliner. With platinum-selling hits like “Take Your Time (Do It Right),” “Just Be Good to Me,” “Tell Me If You Still Care” and “The Finest,” The S.O.S. Band helped define the sound of the 1980s. Their groundbreaking collaborations with legendary producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis produced some of their biggest hits and cemented their place in music history.
Over the decades, their songs have continued to resonate, being sampled, reinterpreted, and honored by new generations of artists and fans alike. With chart-topping success and a legacy that continues to influence artists today, The S.O.S. Band promises an unforgettable night of music and celebration.
Just as The S.O.S. Band defined a generation of sound, André and Michelle Swanston have defined what it means to lead with purpose and impact. As co-chairs of Swanston Philanthropy and co-owners of Connecticut United FC, André and Michelle have demonstrated unwavering dedication to creating opportunity and driving community change. The couple first rose to prominence leading Stamford-based Tru Optik, a pioneering data and analytics company in streaming media acquired by TransUnion for more than $100 million. Today, they continue their legacy of innovation and generosity through philanthropic and community-driven initiatives.
Through CT United Academy, the only free professional youth soccer academy between New York and Boston, the Swanstons have removed financial barriers for young athletes to pursue their dreams. Academy players have also volunteered with P2P, reinforcing the family’s belief in developing well-rounded leaders who give back.
“André and Michelle Swanston embody the very spirit of what it means to rise together. Their innovative leadership, unwavering generosity and commitment to opening doors for others are precisely the qualities that fuel lasting community change,” says Corey Paris, Chief Impact Officer, Person to Person. “By honoring the Swanstons, we are celebrating not only their remarkable achievements but also the ripple effect of hope and opportunity they have created across Fairfield County and beyond. Much like the timeless music of the SOS Band, their impact is powerful, soulful and unforgettable. This is also the year for us to recommit to the moral mission of supporting and providing for families as food insecurity, poverty and homelessness continue to rise. Their story inspires us all to dream bigger, give boldly and lead with purpose.”
By honoring the Swanstons, the Rising Together Benefit will shine a light on the power of philanthropy and community partnership. Every dollar raised at the event will strengthen P2P’s programs and the thousands of families who rely on them each year.
About Person to Person
Person to Person (P2P) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families and individuals as they move toward stability with healthy food, clothing, housing assistance and a path to economic opportunity. P2P serves 28,000 residents in Fairfield County with the following programs: two neighborhood food pantries, two mobile food pantries, a clothing center, caseworker assistance, a Financial Opportunity Center®, emergency financial assistance, college scholarships and summer camperships. Learn more at p2pHelps.org.
About Swanston Philanthropy
Our mission is to uplift and empower those in underserved communities, and we believe in the transformative power of giving back. At Swanston Philanthropy, our focus is on you—the incredible individuals and organizations who are working tirelessly to uplift and empower communities. Together, we can build a brighter future and create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Visit swanston.org/philanthropy to learn more.
About CT United FC
Founded in 2024 and owned by Connecticut Sports Group, Connecticut United Football Club (CT United FC) is the fifth independent professional men’s soccer club in MLS NEXT Pro. CT United FC is targeting a 2026 launch, will call a new state-of-the-art stadium in Bridgeport its home, and currently operates the only free youth soccer academy for boys in Connecticut. CT United FC embodies the indomitable spirit of our state, carrying forward Connecticut’s rich tradition of sports excellence. For updates and more information, visit ctunited.com or follow us on social media: @ctunited on TikTok, X, Instagram, and Facebook.
For sponsorship questions, contact Corey Paris.
