Denim & Sparkles: 2026 Spring Benefit
Join us for our Denim & Sparkles Benefit, and enjoy an evening celebrating resilience, honoring achievement, and supporting families navigating learning and attention differences.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
6:00 PM
Knobloch Family Farmhouse
151 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford
About the Benefit
Denim & Sparkles brings together families, supporters, educators, professionals, and community partners for an evening in support of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities.
The evening will include a cocktail reception with live music, dinner, awards program, and live and silent auctions. Proceeds support our work to inspire, educate, and empower parents of children with learning and attention differences.
2026 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Honorees
Meet this year’s outstanding Youth Achievement Award honorees—students whose perseverance, resilience, leadership, and achievements reflect the remarkable potential of young people with learning and attention differences.
These students have not only navigated their own challenges, but have also made a meaningful impact in their schools, communities, and beyond. We are honored to celebrate them at our 2026 Denim & Sparkles Spring Benefit.
Kirtan Patel
Texas | Winner of the 2026 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award
From birth, Kirtan faced severe speech and motor delays, followed by years of difficulty in school environments that did not yet understand how his mind worked. With the right support, structured routines, and strong self-advocacy, he transformed those challenges into confidence and success.
Kirtan has used his experience with ADHD and anxiety to support other neurodivergent students and families, leading community seminars on 504 plans and IEPs, creating ADHD-focused video content, and engaging in global conversations about neurodiversity.
Annabella Perk
Texas | Special Recognition Winner
Annabella has faced dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and apraxia of speech with extraordinary determination. After being underestimated academically, she went on to excel in honors and dual-credit coursework, achieve a 4.0+ GPA, and score in the 97th percentile in math.
She has also transformed her love of cooking into leadership and service—earning statewide recognition, founding her school’s Culinary Club, and helping turn a neglected pantry into a thriving student-run resource for families in need.
Want to learn more about all of this year’s honorees?
View the full list of 2026 Youth Achievement Award recipients
2026 Community Service Award Honoree: Dr. Judy Grossman
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is proud to honor Dr. Judy Grossman, DrPH, OTR, as the recipient of the 2026 Community Service Award.
For decades, Dr. Grossman has been a guiding force for families navigating learning and attention differences. As Associate Director of the Center for the Developing Child and Family at the Ackerman Institute for the Family and Founding Director of the Resilient Families: Children with Special Needs Project, she has dedicated her career to strengthening families, supporting children, and advancing best practices in care and education.
Her work spans clinical practice, research, policy, and community support. She has served in academic roles at NYU, Yale School of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Columbia University, and Sacred Heart University, and has contributed to early intervention and special education policy studies for organizations including the New York State Department of Education and the New York City Board of Education.
A family therapist specializing in neurodiverse children, Dr. Grossman has also worked extensively with community agencies, providing training, consultation, and program development, often focused on supporting marginalized and under-resourced families.
At Smart Kids, Judy’s impact has been both deep and lasting. As a dedicated board member and long-time advisor, she has helped shape and strengthen our mission over many years. She has led the Countdown to Kindergarten program, facilitated parent support groups, presented at events, and consistently shared her expertise to help families better understand and support their children.
Her work is rooted in compassion, insight, and a deep commitment to helping children and families thrive. We are honored to recognize Dr. Grossman’s outstanding contributions and celebrate her unwavering dedication to the Smart Kids community and beyond.
Live & Silent Auctions
Our 2026 Denim & Sparkles Benefit will feature exciting live and silent auction items, with proceeds supporting Smart Kids’ programs, parent education, and resources for families navigating learning and attention differences.
Featured Auction Preview
- Yankees vs. Red Sox MVP Club Experience at Yankee Stadium
- Luxury travel experiences featuring Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, and Barbados getaways
- An Evening with Ina Garten, including signed cookbooks and dinner
- Seth Meyers & John Oliver LIVE tickets
- Fishing Day Trip out of Black Rock Harbor for 4–6 guests
Plus dining experiences, golf outings, artwork, entertainment packages, and more.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Diamond Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
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Bronze Sponsors
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