House of Heroes Gala March 25; Proceeds to Assist Vets in Need

Hamden, Conn., February 9, 2023 – More than 250 guests, supporters and friends of veterans will be on hand on Saturday, March 25, at Cascade in Hamden as House of Heroes Connecticut kicks off its 2023 Year of Service with its annual Hearts & Heroes Fundraiser and Gala.

Among the honorees at the event, the non-profit veterans service organization’s largest annual fundraiser, will be retired Hamden fire fighter Paul Turner. Turner, a 26-year veteran of Hamden’s Fire Department and a 21-year Air Force and Air Force Reserve veteran, suffered a major stroke in September, only 10 months after his retirement. He is currently undergoing intense physical therapy five days a week at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare’s Traurig House Brain Injury & Stroke Residential Program in Wallingford.

House of Heroes Connecticut, with the volunteer assistance of members of the Hamden Fire Department, recently completed bathroom modifications and installation of a handicap ramp at Turner’s Hamden home to make his visits back home on weekends more manageable.

“This was a wonderful project for a deserving veteran right here in our hometown community of Hamden,” said House of Heroes (HOHCT) Executive Director Carol May. “We are looking forward to honoring Paul at our event and we expect a large contingent of Paul’s colleagues, friends and family to be there to pay tribute to him and his service to his nation and community.”

The 7th annual event will feature a “Havana Nights” theme, with music provided by Connecticut’s hottest cover band, Rum Runners, and themed cocktails provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. The event begins with cocktails at 6 and will feature complimentary beer and wine, dinner and dancing, along with a premium raffle and silent auction.

Turner will be honored with a special HOHCT “Strength in Service” award as part of the organization’s presentation of its annual William J. May III Service Above Self Awards, presented annually to the organization’s Volunteer, Craftsman and Sponsor of the Year. This year’s honorees in those categories for the 2022 service year are John Torgerson (Volunteer), Dave Santello of Connecticut Carpenters Union Local 326 (Craftsman) and Skydive for Veterans (Sponsor).

The May Awards, established in 2019, honor the legacy of HOHCT’s late co-founder Bill May, a 24-year Army Aviation veteran, Black Hawk helicopter test pilot and inspiring leader whose vision was to assist fellow veterans in need of home renovations and repairs that would keep them safely in their homes.

Tickets for the event are $130 per person, with a variety of table, event sponsorship and advertising options available. Tickets may be purchased on-line in advance at www.hohct.org/havananights.

House of Heroes Connecticut is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that recognizes, honors and serves military and public safety veterans and/or their surviving spouses for their sacrificial service to America. The organization has provided one-day, no-cost home improvements with a priority placed on safety and accessibility to more than 190 veterans or surviving spouses. The Connecticut Chapter is part of a national organization based in Georgia that has served more than 1,000 veterans nationwide. For more information, visit www.hohct.org.