COMO’s Stars & Stripes Over Stonington gala and auction

COMO’s Stars & Stripes Over Stonington gala and auction is celebrating community, history, and generosity all at once with its America 250-inspired gala and online fundraising auction, bringing together local businesses, families, volunteers, and supporters for one of the organization’s biggest annual fundraising efforts. The celebration culminates with Stars & Stripes Over Stonington on Saturday, May 16, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Stone Acres Farm, an evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, and both silent and live auctions supporting the COMO’s ongoing mission of community programming, youth development, recreation, arts, and education.

Running alongside the gala is a large online auction featuring shoreline experiences, restaurant packages, local getaways, entertainment, and family activities, all donated by businesses and community partners throughout southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. The auction lineup reflects the character of the region itself, with prizes ranging from Mystic and Stonington hotel escapes to winery dinners, golf outings, train rides, theater tickets, drag show VIP packages, spa treatments, painting classes, restaurant gift certificates, and family activity bundles. Supporters can bid on experiences tied directly to some of the shoreline’s best-known destinations and local businesses while helping fund programs at one of the region’s most important community organizations.

This year’s gala honors Andrew Field, whose family’s connection to the COMO stretches across generations through youth programs, athletics, volunteer work, and community support tied to Noah’s Restaurant. The celebration leans heavily into the spirit of America 250 with festive cocktail attire encouraged and a broader focus on community connection and civic pride. Even for those unable to attend the sold-out gala itself, the online auction remains open to the public through Friday, May 15 at 8:00 AM, giving anyone the opportunity to support the COMO while potentially walking away with some uniquely local experiences and packages.

Featured Auction Highlights Include:

• Private After-Hours Thrift Bash for 10
• Las Vegas Lights Getaway
• Stonington Two-Night Getaway
• Mystic Waterfront Stay & Dining Experience
• Steam Train & Riverboat Escape for Four
• Sea Queens Drag Show VIP Experience for Six
• Sip & Savor Wine Dinner at Breakwater
• Front Row Tickets to Anastasia
• Golf Packages & Outdoor Adventures
• Family Fun & Restaurant Packages
• Art Classes, Spa Packages & Local Artisan Goods

Participating Businesses & Donors Include:

• Nana’s Mystic
• River Bar
• Breakwater
• Noah’s Restaurant
• Bank Square Books
• Mystic Knotwork
• Inn at Stonington
• Stone Acres Farm
• Platinum Hair Salon
• Pequot Golf Club

Auction Link:
Bid in the COMO Online Auction