On Saturday, November 15, 2025, we will gather for a very special evening—the bi-annual Reach for the Stars Gala at the Amber Room Colonnade. This event is not just a celebration; it’s a critical opportunity to support SPHERE’s mission, ensuring that our members continue to thrive through enriching programs and meaningful connections.
This year, we are honored to recognize John and Peggy Loehr as recipients of the Commitment to Service Award. John and Peggy exemplify the true spirit of giving, dedicating their time and energy to strengthening our community. SPHERE is just one of the many organizations fortunate enough to benefit from their generosity. Whether they are volunteering at our events, championing our mission, or simply celebrating the individuals we serve, their unwavering support has made a lasting impact. It is our privilege to acknowledge their contributions at this year’s Gala.
At SPHERE, we believe that individuals with developmental, cognitive, and intellectual disabilities deserve opportunities to engage fully in life’s rich experiences. Through social programming, skill-building, and cultural arts initiatives, we create a supportive space for growth, self-expression, and joy. Our partnerships with local arts organizations further strengthen our members’ connection to the broader community.
We invite you to be a part of this impactful evening by supporting our mission in one or more of the following ways:
- Underwriting Sponsorship – Help cover essential event costs, such as décor, catering, or printing, allowing all proceeds to directly fund our programs.
- Auction Donations – Contribute a unique item or experience to our evening’s auction, which plays a key role in our fundraising efforts.
- Program Advertising – Promote your business while supporting SPHERE by securing a spot in our Gala Program Book.
Your generosity not only enriches the lives of our members but also provides valuable exposure for your business. By fully sponsoring elements of the event, you enable every dollar raised to go directly toward SPHERE’s life-changing programs.
We would be honored to have your support and participation in making this year’s Reach for the Stars Gala an unforgettable success. Thank you for your kind consideration.
With gratitude,
Lori Berisford
President & Board Chair
SPHERE
Learn More About John and Peggy Loehr
Peggy and John were born and raised in the Berkshires. After meeting in high school, attending college, and marrying in 1975, they moved to Boston to pursue career opportunities, where their three children were born. Peggy began her career as a registered nurse after graduating from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in 1974, working at several major Boston hospitals. The family moved to Ridgefield in 1993, and Peggy is currently a staff nurse for a Ridgefield plastic surgeon.
John graduated from St. Anselm College in 1975 and Harvard University in 1979. After a long career in real estate, John retired in 2013 from BlackRock Inc. as a Managing Director, where he served as a pension fund investment advisor. Peggy and John’s three sons attended Ridgefield schools, and they are now raising seven grandchildren.
Since relocating to Ridgefield in 1993, Peggy and John have been actively involved with numerous non-profit organizations. Peggy served as a Director for the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association for three years and The Lounsbury House for six years. John became a board member of Housatonic Habitat for Humanity in 1994 and served as president from 1996-1999. In 2000, John and Peggy, alongside close friends, helped initiate the incorporation of Ridgefield Sunrise Cottage, Inc. to build the group home at 6 Sunset Lane, where John later served as board president. In 2020, John was appointed to the board of directors for Ability Beyond, also serving on its finance committee.
In addition to their involvement with SPHERE, Sunrise Cottage, and Ability Beyond, John and Peggy have been strong supporters of local youth sports, including Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football, as well as community initiatives such as the Boys and Girls Club expansion, Tiger Hollow Stadium construction, the Ridgefield Library renovation, the Aldrich Museum’s “Front Porch” project, and The Ridgefield Playhouse.
