The Stamford Partnership sets 2026 benefit for May 27 at GE CoCreate

By AI, Created 5:24 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – The Stamford Partnership will host its 2026 Benefit on May 27 in Stamford, with proceeds supporting workforce training, entrepreneurship and digital access programs. The event will honor community partners, feature Mayor Caroline Simmons and spotlight new and existing initiatives aimed at a more inclusive local economy.

Why it matters: - The Stamford Partnership’s annual benefit helps fund programs tied to workforce access, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion across Stamford. - The event is positioned as a way to support a stronger local economy while expanding opportunity for residents. - Proceeds will go toward quality-of-life initiatives across Stamford.

What happened: - The Stamford Partnership will hold its 2026 Benefit on May 27 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at GE CoCreate, 47 John St., in Stamford. - Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons is scheduled to be among the featured speakers. - The event will celebrate recent accomplishments, recognize community partners and preview new initiatives. - The annual gathering brings together business and community leaders around a shared goal of building a more inclusive Stamford economy.

The details: - Over the past 18 months, The Stamford Partnership and its collaborators have focused on initiatives aimed at workforce access, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion. - Stamford Tech Hub is designed to help residents build skills for the digital economy and strengthen the local tech talent pipeline. - StartLab offers mentorship, education, co-working space and network access for entrepreneurs and small businesses. - The Community WiFi Initiative is set to launch in summer 2026. - The Community WiFi Initiative will provide free internet access and digital support to help residents reach employment, healthcare, education and other essential services. - Charter Communications is this year’s Community Champion. - Charter Communications made a $5 million investment in Stamford Tech Hub. - The investment helped the Partnership provide residents with technical skills and digital literacy needed by modern employers. - Sponsorships and tickets are available at these levels: Innovation Partner, $15,000 for 15 tickets and VIP seating; Leadership Partner, $10,000 for 10 tickets; Program Partner, $5,000 for 8 tickets; Community Partner, $2,500 for 5 tickets; Civic Partner, $1,000 for 2 tickets; Friend, $500 for 2 tickets; Individual Ticket, $125. - Accredited media outlets receive complimentary passes.

Between the lines: - The Partnership is linking economic mobility to broader community wellbeing. - Board Vice Chair Ben Wade, a Stamford native and senior vice president of strategy and marketing and chief strategy officer at Stamford Health, said access to good jobs and a sense of belonging shape community wellbeing. - Darrell Johnson, executive director of The Stamford Partnership, said the 2026 Benefit reflects progress made and the broader ecosystem the organization is building. - Johnson said the work is about creating more ways for Stamford residents to participate in the community’s future. - A LinkedIn page for the organization is available here.

What’s next: - The Stamford Partnership will use benefit proceeds to support workforce training, employer engagement and regional growth initiatives. - The Community WiFi Initiative is expected to launch in summer 2026. - The benefit will also serve as a platform to advance new initiatives and deepen community partnerships.

The bottom line: - The Stamford Partnership is using its 2026 Benefit to raise money and momentum for programs that aim to make Stamford’s economy more accessible and inclusive.