The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation invites the public to its 2026 "Human Spirit Awards Dinner", paying tribute to individuals and organizations who inspire others to make a difference in their communities and in our world. Presented by Johnson Brunetti Retirement & Investment Specialists,the third annual event will be held on Saturday, November 7th from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Hartford Marriott Downtown at 200 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford, Conn. Admission tickets are $195 per person or $1,950 for a table of 10, and are available now at www.thedenisefoundation.com/spirit-awards-dinner
The "Human Spirit Awards Dinner" celebrates the late TV broadcaster Denise D'Ascenzo's Legacy of Openness, Courage and Kindness, and recognizes those who have exemplified these qualities in their lives. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, whose hope is to inspire others to make a difference as well.
Guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres, delicious plated dinner, silent auction, heartfelt comments, and presentation of The 2026 Kindness Award, The 2026 Legacy Award, and four 2026 Human Spirit Awards:
2026 Kindness Awardee – Andrea Hurley is known across Connecticut for making "giving back" a meaningful part of her life. She leads with generosity, compassion, and kindness in her charity work for Connecticut Children's and other organizations that support children and families. As the wife of UConn Men's Basketball Coach Dan Hurley, she has championed the Husky Ticket Project to enable disadvantaged families to attend the games, and is a #1 cheerleader – not just for the players, but for our entire state.
2026 Legacy Awardee – The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was founded in 1988 in Ashford, Conn. by actors and philanthropists Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, the year-round overnight camp has a remarkable legacy of bringing joy, friendship, and possibility to children with serious illnesses and their families, creating a community where every child can simply be a kid.
Four 2026 Human Spirit Awardees (in alphabetical order):
·Crystal R. Emery (posthumously) – The late filmmaker, author, and activist lived with a rare neuromuscular disease, yet turned her own challenges into a powerful force for change, dedicating her life to breaking barriers and expanding opportunity for others.
·Rabbi Philip Lazowski (posthumously) – A Holocaust survivor who devoted his life to faith, education, and service, the beloved religious leader transformed unimaginable loss into a lifelong mission of compassion, remembrance, and hope.
·Luke Roux Foundation – Stephen and Carri Roux – After losing their son Luke in a drunk driving crash, the Farmington residents transformed their profound grief into purpose, creating the Luke Roux Foundation to honor his life and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
·Ali Truwit – After losing her leg in a shark attack, the Darien woman turned a life-changing experience into a story of extraordinary resilience, returning to the water, becoming a Paralympic medalist, and inspiring others to face adversity with courage and determination.
Award presenters will include the Foundation's President Dennis House of WTNH-TV 8 and Vice President Kara Sundlun of WFSB-TV 3, among others.
Tickets for the Saturday, November 7th dinner at the Hartford Marriott Downtown are $195 per person or a table of 10 for $1,950 and can be purchased now through October 23rd at www.thedenisefoundation.com/spirit-awards-dinner
Proceeds will benefit The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to carry on Denise's passionate efforts to support advances in medicine and health, promote responsibility in the media, assist those facing physical and mental challenges, and support organizations and individuals who demonstrate openness, courage and kindness in their endeavors. The Foundation was established shortly after the broadcaster's sudden death in December 2019. Since its establishment in early 2020, the Foundation has raised funds and made numerous donations to community organizations and causes that include: Alzheimer's Association – Connecticut Chapter; Blocks of Hope; The Children's Tumor Foundation; Connecticut Chapter of Alzheimer's Association; Connecticut Children's Foundation at Yale New Haven Hospital; Feeding Families Foundation; The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp; Kenway's Cause; Peace, Love and ACCESSibility; Make a Wish Foundation; Mary's Place – A Center for Grieving Children & Families; National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences; Project Purple; Senior Promises; Stew Leonard's Water Safety Foundation; and Yale-New Haven Hospital Toy Closet. Funds raised at this event will allow us to continue to support those most in need.
If you have questions or seek more information about the event, email liz@lreventsmanagement.com
For information about The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.TheDeniseFoundation.com or The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation, P.O. Box 444, Branford, CT 06405.
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