Waterford

People who could give a lot were there Saturday. And they did. Kids who could give a little were there Saturday. And they did. White, black, Latino. Just people. Ultimate community. Pervasive spirit. Bigger outlook.

Quite the scene. Extraordinary in its simplicity. Just a bunch of people sitting at tables. Circulating about. In and out of conversations. Gabbing, visiting, reconnecting. Seeing old friends, making new ones. And all for the noblest cause: Helping a kid pursue an education.

Hundreds of friends, family members, acquaintances and people who never met Doug Henton before spent part of Saturday afternoon at Waterford's indoor town green, otherwise known as Filomena's Restaurant, home of a meet and greet to benefit Henton's dream of attending Connecticut College.

And they raised more than $12,000.

Henton's story: A 2012 graduate of New London High School, Henton had the acumen to gain admission to Conn, but not the financial means to pay tuition. He began his college career at Salve Regina, until financial issues forced him to leave. He went to Three Rivers and maintained a 3.5 grade point average, good enough to gain acceptance to Conn last spring.

Henton, living in New London with his sister, learned that his financial aid package from Conn would cover about two-thirds of the roughly $60,000 tuition. But with no means of income or other support, aside from whatever part-time jobs he could manage, the remaining money was too steep.

Despite several meetings with college officials, Henton, who offered to live at home and absolve Conn of room, board and meal plan costs, learned the financial aid package would not change.

That's until Filomena's co-owner, former politician and developer Mike Buscetto read of Henton's story in The Day. Buscetto enlisted the help of Chris Soto, a graduate of Coast Guard Academy and Brown University and the founding director of Higher Edge, a nonprofit that guides low-income and first-generation students through college by providing support and resources.

Their collaboration has produced a future Camel. Doug Henton will enroll in January.

Buscetto, who guaranteed Henton financial support "even if I have to write the check myself," held the fundraiser mostly to jump start Henton's final two years at Conn.

Henton, nattily clad with a white shirt, black tie, black pants and snazzy black shoes, greeted all those who came to help him Saturday with thank-yous, handshakes and hugs. He was speechless at times. A little nervous. Understandable. Who among us has ever had so many people - strangers among them - try to change your life on a Saturday afternoon?

Now I know there are too many other kids in and out of New London who aren't as fortunate. But at least Henton is an example that the community does listen. Henton is a polite, respectful kid whose grades are exemplary. That's a good start.

Hard to imagine a more uplifting story.

It was a fascinating study of attendees, too. And no shows. Several Conn alums - former city mayor Jay Levin and attorney Scott Sawyer among them - were there. But not one representative of the college. Sort of invites the following question to Conn's leadership: Could you be more tone deaf? A community rallies for one of your kids and you don't process the value of jumping on the bandwagon?

Hello?

There were First Selectmen (Paul Formica and Dan Steward), retirees, politicians, attorneys, educators, coaches, former coaches, principals, businessmen. Old friends. New friends. People from the city and the burbs. People who don't make much money stretching to give what they could. Henton's friends giving 10 and 15 dollars. One charitable group in Niantic, which you will get to know better in the coming weeks, delivered a check for $5,400.

It makes you want to cry.

Some already have.

Henton knows his responsibility. Buscetto, who has a way of speaking directly, told him the help will disappear if his grades aren't sufficient. This is no gift. And Henton, who plans to study economics, promises to pay it forward.

There are good people among us. Many of them showed on Saturday. Thanks to all who did.

This is the opinion of Day sports columnist Mike DiMauro.

Twitter: @BCgenius