Melodies & Mimosas Gala Brunch

Anne Tyler Calabresi is a prominent figure in the cultural, philanthropic, and civic life of New Haven, Connecticut. Renowned for her deep commitment to community-building, the arts, and education, Anne has made an enduring impact on numerous organizations and initiatives that have enriched the region.

As a co-founder of LEAP (Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership), a New Haven-based youth development program, Anne has been instrumental in creating educational and leadership opportunities for children and young adults. LEAP empowers more than 1,000 underserved youth each year through innovative programs that provide academic support, social enrichment, and leadership development, helping shape the next generation of community leaders.

In 1994, Anne also helped establish the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, a two-week celebration of theater, music, and dance featuring artists from around the world alongside local performers and neighborhood groups. The festival showcases the rich cultural diversity of New Haven while transforming the city’s Green into a vibrant hub for creativity and community.

Furthering her commitment to social impact, Anne co-founded the Sunrise Café in 2015. The café provides a free, nutritious hot breakfast for 150-200 people five mornings a week, served by volunteers. More than just a meal, Sunrise Café fosters a sense of dignity, stability, and community for its guests, offering a welcoming space for those in need.

Anne’s dedication to the arts has also been a cornerstone of her work. She served on the board of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and has been a steadfast supporter of its mission to bring exceptional music to the community. Her contributions to the Yale Repertory Theatre have similarly helped strengthen New Haven’s cultural landscape, reflecting her belief in the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and uplift.

A lifelong learner and generous philanthropist, Anne has maintained close ties to Yale University, both as a fellow of Timothy Dwight College and through her involvement in various initiatives that promote education and community engagement. Her unwavering dedication to service has earned her numerous awards for community impact from the Connecticut Bar Association, the Connecticut Council of Foundations, Yale University, and the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.

Anne graduated from Radcliffe College in 1956 and has received honorary degrees from Albertus Magnus College, Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University, Quinnipiac University, and the University of New Haven. Her legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and vision—an enduring inspiration to all who strive to build a stronger, more equitable New Haven.

Music Haven is a nationally-recognized, free after-school program for nearly 100 students, starting as early as first grade and continuing through high school. Students gain chamber music skills and invaluable life lessons in listening, teamwork, and communication. This award-winning program ensures high-quality music education for children who might lack access to such an enriching opportunity.

At Music Haven, young musicians study with and are mentored by resident musicians, who lead Music Haven’s program. Featured in The New York Times and on NPR, Music Haven musicians are celebrated for their artistry on stage and their excellence as educators. They inspire students to bring exceptional music performances to New Haven neighborhoods and beyond through concerts, recitals, and collaborations with other youth organizations, reaching diverse audiences in public spaces.

Performances are also offered by the Haven String Quartet (HSQ), a unique ensemble deeply rooted in the New Haven community. Dedicated equally to their craft as a professional string quartet and music education, the HSQ balances a rigorous performance schedule with a full teaching load, performing over 25 times a year throughout New England in addition to leading an award-winning and nationally recognized afterschool music program. Members devote their mornings to quartet rehearsals and their afternoons to mentoring young musicians, where they foster strong relationships with students and their families year after year.

Horizons at Foote is a transformative summer educational enrichment program serving students from New Haven Public Schools. Established in 2015 as an affiliate of Horizons National, this program provides a six-week, tuition-free experience designed to close the opportunity gap for children from underserved populations.

Each summer, students in grades K-8 immerse themselves in a rich curriculum focused on literacy, STEM, and the arts, complemented by swimming lessons confidence-building activities. With small classes led by professional educators, students make 6 to 12 week academic gains while developing essential life skills. Beyond the summer, Horizons at Foote fosters year-round connections with families, schools, and its mentorship program for high school alumni, Horizons BFF (Best Foote Forward).

The program thrives on a commitment to educational equity, nurturing students’ academic, social, and emotional growth, and building lasting relationships that inspire success in school and beyond. By leveraging the resources of The Foote School, we bring the power of experiential learning to life and create impactful opportunities.

Founded in 1820, the Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ is recognized as the oldest formally established African American Congregational Church in the world. For over two centuries, Dixwell Church has been a cornerstone of faith, community, and social justice within and beyond New Haven, Connecticut.

The church’s origins trace back to a group of free and formerly enslaved individuals who formed the African Ecclesiastical Society, and later, with the leadership of lay minister Simeon S. Jocelyn, were able to purchase and develop the Temple Street Church. Their mission was to create a place of worship and fellowship free from the racial discrimination they faced in white churches. By 1829, the congregation was officially chartered as a Congregational Church, establishing a legacy of resilience and faith that endures to this day.

Throughout its history, Dixwell Church has played a pivotal role in the pursuit of social justice. In the 19th century, it became a critical hub for abolitionist activities and the Underground Railroad, offering sanctuary to fugitive enslaved people. In 1839-1841, members of the congregation were deeply involved in the defense and successful release of the Amistad captives, further cementing the church’s reputation as a champion for human rights.

Over the decades, Dixwell Church has continued to address the evolving needs of its community. Early under the leadership of notable pastors such as Rev. Dr. James W. C. Pennington and Rev. Amos G. Beman, and continuing with Rev. Edward F. Goin and others, the church became a center for civil rights advocacy and education. Incessantly active during the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Edwin R. Edmonds, the congregation built an iconic edifice, sponsored the development of affordable housing, daycare services, and cultural arts programs, reflecting its commitment to holistic community development. During the tenure of Rev. Dr. Frederick J. Streets, Dixwell Church remained a vibrant institution dedicated to worship, education, and social outreach. Initiatives such as the Dixwell Center for the Arts, Education, and Social Services and the DIXWELL SUMMER STREAM after-school program demonstrated the church’s ongoing dedication to empowering New Haven’s youth and fostering cultural enrichment. Today, Rev. Andre C. Gilford, Jr., serves as Interim Pastor amplifying the church’s legacy while working with the congregation to galvanize and fortify their next century initiatives.

Rooted in the Black church tradition, Dixwell Avenue Congregational UCC welcomes all individuals and families to join its journey of faith and service. The church upholds the principles of the United Church of Christ, emphasizing inclusivity, social justice, and the transformative power of love and community.

As it progresses, Dixwell Avenue Congregational UCC continues to access its trailblazing legacy and simultaneously embrace new opportunities to serve and uplift the people of New Haven. With steadfast commitment to faith, equality, and community engagement, the church stands as a living testament to the power of hope and collective action.

ClimateHaven is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering climate tech entrepreneurs in their mission to develop innovative technologies that drive significant progress toward a more sustainable and resilient planet. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, ClimateHaven serves as a dynamic hub for startups, innovators, and organizations working to address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Launched with a vision to accelerate climate solutions, ClimateHaven has built a vibrant community that bridges the gap between science, technology, and business. It fosters collaboration among scientists, engineers, policymakers, and investors, creating an ecosystem where climate-focused ventures can thrive. Members gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated laboratory spaces, prototyping tools, and cutting-edge equipment tailored to support climate innovation.

Beyond infrastructure, ClimateHaven offers comprehensive support through mentorship, strategic partnerships, and access to capital. The organization actively connects entrepreneurs with experienced advisors and a growing network of socially responsible investors, helping scale transformative ideas across sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green technology, and carbon capture.

Strategically positioned within New Haven’s rich landscape of world-renowned universities and research institutions, ClimateHaven leverages local expertise and academic collaboration to amplify its impact. Partnerships with leading academic and corporate entities further enhance opportunities for ClimateHaven members, creating pathways from research and development to real-world application and commercial success.

At its core, ClimateHaven is driven by the belief that collective action and innovation are essential to combating climate change. By fostering a collaborative environment and equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, ClimateHaven is not only a catalyst for breakthrough technologies but also a champion of a future where environmental sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand.