A Bridgeport nonprofit and its founder thanked its supporters and the community with a gala event on Friday.

The event – the organization’s first – was held by "Color A Positive Thought" and its founder Harry Bell.

“Color A Positive Thought” was established 10 years ago and fed people throughout the pandemic. It aims to provide an uplifting message to young people in the Greater Bridgeport area.

"On your way to the top, never forget your stops,” said Bell. “So today, I'm not forgetting my stops and I stopped at every last person in this gala today and said ‘thank you.’"

Bell says he's proud to know his coloring book series has been adopted by several major school districts as a teaching tool for kids.