Operation Fresh Start “Sip N’ Sign”

At a Glance

• What: Annual literary fundraiser featuring author meet-and-greets, book sales, refreshments, a silent auction, and a raffle

• When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 5–9 p.m.

• Location: Stonington Free Library, 20 High Street, Stonington, CT 06378

• Admission: $49.87 per person

• Included with Admission: One drink ticket, one raffle ticket, and hors d’oeuvres

• Featured Beverage Provider: Rum Tropic Distillery

• Participating Authors: Becki A. Jacobson, Debbie McGrath, Jimmy Bennett, Kelly Jarvis, MJ Soni, and Monica DiIorio

• Beneficiary: Operation Fresh Start

• Tickets: Advance tickets available online

• Parking: Street parking in Stonington Borough

• Contact: Shannon DePerry, operationfreshstart.2021@gmail.com

• Schedule Note: Rescheduled from September 27 to October 18

Event Description

Operation Fresh Start “Sip N’ Sign” brings an evening of books, conversation, cocktails, and community fundraising to the Stonington Free Library on Sunday, October 18. The annual benefit invites guests to meet local and regional authors, discover new books, enjoy refreshments, and support Operation Fresh Start through a silent auction and raffle.

From 5 to 9 p.m., the library becomes a gathering place for readers, writers, and community supporters. Rather than a formal lecture or traditional book signing, the event offers an informal atmosphere where guests can move between authors, ask questions about their work, and discover titles that might become their next favorite reads.

Admission is $45 and includes one drink ticket featuring beverages provided by Rum Tropic Distillery, one raffle ticket, and hors d’oeuvres.

Meet the Authors

The centerpiece of Sip N’ Sign is its lineup of six participating authors, each bringing their own writing and creative projects to the event.

The announced authors are Becki A. Jacobson, Debbie McGrath, Jimmy Bennett, Kelly Jarvis, MJ Soni, and Monica DiIorio.

Guests will have opportunities to speak directly with the writers, learn about their latest books and projects, and purchase books during the evening.

For readers, the appeal goes beyond obtaining a signed copy. Meeting an author can reveal the inspiration behind a story, the research involved in developing a book, or the experiences that shaped its characters and themes.

The informal format encourages conversation, making the fundraiser appealing to dedicated readers as well as anyone interested in writing, publishing, or discovering new voices.

A Silent Auction and Raffle for a Good Cause

Alongside the literary activities, Sip N’ Sign features a silent auction with items generously donated by local businesses and individuals.

Guests can browse the donated offerings and place bids, with proceeds benefiting Operation Fresh Start. The auction also highlights the businesses and community members who have contributed to the fundraiser.

Each admission ticket includes one raffle ticket, providing another opportunity to participate in the evening’s fundraising activities.

Together, the auction, raffle, and ticket sales help turn a social evening into meaningful support for the organization.

Supporting Operation Fresh Start

Operation Fresh Start is a nonprofit organization serving families and children in need in New London County.

Its mission centers on helping people facing difficult circumstances, including families working to establish stable homes and children entering foster care.

For households experiencing a crisis or major transition, access to essential furnishings, household supplies, and other basic necessities can make a significant difference.

The organization works to address those practical needs, helping families create safer, more comfortable living environments.

Fundraisers like Sip N’ Sign bring attention to that mission while providing an opportunity for residents to contribute to the organization’s work.

An Evening at Stonington Free Library

Located at 20 High Street in historic Stonington Borough, the Stonington Free Library provides a fitting setting for an event devoted to authors and books.

The library is a longstanding community institution that brings residents together through reading programs, educational activities, author events, and cultural gatherings.

For Sip N’ Sign, that familiar setting becomes a social space where guests can enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while connecting with writers and fellow readers.

The library’s location in the heart of the borough also adds to the evening’s appeal, with Stonington’s historic streets and waterfront nearby.

Tickets and Registration

Tickets are $45 per person and include one drink ticket with beverages provided by Rum Tropic Distillery, one raffle ticket, and hors d’oeuvres.

Books by participating authors will be available for purchase. Guests can also participate in the silent auction and support the organization’s fundraising efforts.

The event was originally scheduled for September 27 but has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 18, from 5 to 9 p.m.

To purchase tickets, click the Event Ticketing link below.

Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.