This weekend Southport Congregational Church’s annual fundraiser, Rooms with a View, founded by the late Albert Hadley is to take place from Friday through Sunday. 

The magnificent show chaired by Thom Filicia, is the premier design event in Fairfield County.  Now in its 22nd year, Rooms with a View was founded by the late legendary Albert Hadley, America’s preeminent designer to high society, so that the small local church could help those in need. What started out as a little design show has grown exponentially over the years.

Each year, 12 designers are invited to create 6’ x 8' vignettes. These mini-rooms (8-foot ceilings and three walls) are staged in the library and great hall of the historic, stone, Gothic Revival style Southport Congregational Church in Southport, CT.  RWAV is unique in that it is not a showcase in the traditional sense.  It is a sound bite version of a designer show house.  The designers are challenged to get an idea across in a small amount of space. This year's theme is quite fitting, Comfort & Joy.     

Over the past 22 years, ROOMS with a VIEW has raised more than $1,500,000.00  Proceeds support the work of the church and its many local and international missions, including Alpha Community Services, Bridgeport Council of Churches, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Burroughs Community Center, Center for Women and Families, Eagle Hill School Scholarship Fund, Emerge, Inc., Family Re-Entry, FSW, Grasmere by the Sea, Homes For The Brave, Horizons, Janus House, The Kennedy Center, Operation Hope, The Pilot House, Project Learn, Prospect House, Simply Smiles, St. George’s Soup Kitchen, and Visiting Nurses of Connecticut. 

The show opens to the public tomorrow, Friday, November 11 at 10:00 a.m. There will be Gingerbread People decorating from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the tent for kids.  For just $10, your child will receive a home-made gingerbread person, frosting and candy to decorate with as well as 1/2 hour of babysitting while they decorate!  

Additional highlights include the Gala Party later on Friday evening, featuring cocktails and fabulous hors d’oeuvres by the top restaurants of Fairfield County, with an entertaining live and silent auction. OnSaturday, November 12th, doors open to the public at 10:00 a.m. and features two special events.  Their popular Luncheon by catered by Festivities has a new element this year. "The Sinatra Songbook" (a live performance by Paul Whitmore and Peary Spaght). That evening will feature an exceptional Champagne Tour of the Vignettes and Gourmet Dinner by Paci Restaurant.  On Sunday, November 13 at 2 p.m., a Gingerbread House Workshop will be held in the main tent. More on the events below.
 

Hannah Childs, Hannah Childs Interior Design

Douglas Graneto, Douglas Graneto Design, LLC

Tyler Costanda, TC Designs LLC 

Ken Gemes, Ken Gemes Interiors

Jonathan Savage, Savage Interior Design

Sarah Weiland, Tusk & Home Design

Christina Roughan, Roughan Interiors

Beth Schoenherr, Sheridan Interiors

Stephanie Rapp, Rapp Interiors

The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz & Scott Faciglia

Alexa Van Batenberg, Haute Cinq Design

Michelle Morgan, Morgan Harrison Home

ROOMS with a VIEW is open to the public on Friday, Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:00 p.mm. to 5:00 p.m.  
In addition to the wonderful designers, we have The Shops at ROOMS with a VIEW will feature over 30 vendors from around the country.  A Marketplace Café, as well as other exciting events, are planned to fill out the weekend.

 
The Gala Party
Friday, November 11th  from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. 
Tickets $125 - $500 per person
Sponsored by CT Cottages & Gardens
                       
The Sinatra Songbook and Luncheon by Festivities
Saturday, November 12th at 1 p.m.
Limited Tickets $50 per person includes show admission
Sponsored by Serendipity
 
Champagne Tour of Vignettes and Dinner by Paci
Saturday, November 12th  from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.    
Tickets $500 per person
Sponsored by New England Home
 
The Gingerbread Person Workshop
Friday, November 11th at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
$10 per Kit includes show admission and 1/2 hour babysitting
for one child
(additional babysitting time available for $5/hour)
Sponsored by atHome Magazine

The Gingerbread House Workshop
Sunday, November 13th at 2 p.m.
Advance Tickets $40 per house ($50 at door, if available)
includes show admission
for one adult and one child
 
General Show Hours
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11th -13th , from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 13th  from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.  
Tickets are $20 per person

National Sponsors:
CIRCA LIGHTING      
FARROW & BALL

Media Sponsors:
atHome/Moffly  
CT Cottages & Gardens    
New England Home
Serendipity

Retail Sponsors: 
Millie Rae's      
Walin & Wolff

Liquor Sponsor
Asylum Disillery

Narthex Designer
Geoffrey Walsky for Fairfield Co. Antique and Design Center
 

For more information, please call 203-255-4538
Southport Congregational Church
524 Pequot Avenue
Southport, CT  06890
(in the heart of historic Southport Village)