Fuente Fundraiser Raises Nearly $500K for Charity
On a cool October evening in Greenwich, Connecticut, an exclusive cigar dinner brought together enthusiasts and philanthropists for a night of fine cigars, generosity, and community. Hosted at the prestigious Burning Tree Country Club, the event, dubbed the “OpusXodus,” was organised by Arturo Fuente Cigars in partnership with The Tobacconist of Greenwich, raising a remarkable $485,000 for the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation. This non-profit, founded by the Fuente and Newman families, supports underprivileged children in the Dominican Republic.
The evening began with an introduction from Carlos “Carlito” Fuente Jr., the third-generation owner of Arturo Fuente Cigars, and Michael Cafagno, owner of The Tobacconist of Greenwich. The fundraiser attracted Fuente fans from across the tri-state area, eager to participate in the cause and meet the legendary cigar maker himself. As a rare appearance in the region, many guests took the opportunity to greet Fuente in person, some for the first time, while others enjoyed a reunion with an old friend.
Attendees were treated to OpusX cigars upon arrival, and the evening culminated in a lively auction. The items up for bid included some of the rarest Fuente memorabilia, such as an Elie Bleu Boveda 25th anniversary humidor filled with OpusX cigars, a Fuente y Padrón Legends humidor, and the coveted Hemingway House humidor, a replica of the Fuente farm in the Dominican Republic. The lots also included luxury experiences, from factory tours to reservations at the exclusive restaurant RAO’s.
The OpusX brand has long been a cornerstone of Fuente’s success. Released sporadically and often unannounced, it has built a dedicated following since its inception in 1995. A portion of every OpusX sale supports the charity, and events like the OpusXodus further fuel this mission.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Cafagno said, “As Carlito always says, we are changing lives, one child at a time. The impact this event will have is life-changing, and we are proud to support such an important cause.”
This evening of camaraderie, charity, and cigars showcased the best of what the cigar community has to offer, with nearly $500,000 raised to make a lasting difference in the lives of children. The OpusXodus 2024 is sure to be remembered as a landmark moment in both fundraising and cigar culture.
Photo credit: Montana Dennis
