Cocktails, Dinner, Dancing & Purpose: Celebrate the Launch of The Driscoll Fund

Get dressed up, grab a cocktail, hit the dance floor, and help Hartford Pride Center launch something truly groundbreaking.

On Friday, September 18, Hartford Pride Center invites the community to an unforgettable evening of cocktails, dinner, live artistic performances, dancing, community, and impact as we officially celebrate the launch of The Driscoll Fund, Connecticut’s privately funded, unrestricted HIV assistance fund.

This is more than a fundraiser. It is a celebration of life, love, resilience, and a community that shows up for one another.

At Hartford Pride Center, we believe no one living with HIV should ever have to choose between paying for medication, keeping the lights on, getting to a medical appointment, or putting food on the table. Yet those choices remain a reality for too many people across Greater Hartford and Connecticut.

The Driscoll Fund was created to change that.

Named in memory of Thomas Driscoll, a beloved teacher, veteran, partner, and community member whose life was cut short due to complications from AIDS, the Fund transforms Tom’s legacy into direct action.

The Driscoll Fund provides emergency financial assistance for prescription co-pays, transportation to healthcare appointments, unexpected hospital expenses, required laboratory work, and essential everyday needs that can make the difference between remaining connected to care and falling through the cracks.

The Fund will also support outreach, advocacy, education, and awareness efforts designed to reduce stigma and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV throughout Connecticut.

And on September 18, we’re launching it in style.

Guests can expect a vibrant evening filled with great food, an open bar, powerful storytelling, captivating performances, incredible people, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.

EVENT SCHEDULE

6:00 PM: Cocktail & Social Hour
7:00 PM: Welcome and Dinner
7:45 PM: Tom’s Legacy Presentation
8:00 PM: The Ask: Turn Your Values Into Action
8:30 PM: Live Performances
8:50 PM: Main Event Concludes
9:00 PM: VIP Afterparty Begins

Come raise a glass. Come hear Tom’s story. Come dance. Come connect. Most importantly, come help us build a Connecticut where people living with HIV are supported with dignity, compassion, and immediate access to the resources they need.

Friday, September 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Giuseppe’s Place
124 Court Street, Middletown, Connecticut

For information, sponsorship opportunities, or ways to support The Driscoll Fund, contact david@hartfordpridecenter.org.

More announcements are coming soon.