Celebrity-Filled Gala Benefits Children's Hospital In Hartford

Connecticut Children's Foundation

HARTFORD, CT—The state's largest children's hospital enjoyed a successful evening earlier this month, with a well-attended fundraising gala.

Connecticut Children’s Foundation hosted its annual Golden Ticket Gala on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

A marquee event in Hartford’s philanthropic and social calendar, the gala brought together celebrities, community leaders, and supporters in an evening dedicated to raising essential funds for Connecticut Children’s, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best children’s hospitals.

This year’s event delivered a memorable red carpet experience, with Hollywood stars in attendance to support Connecticut Children’s mission to provide healthcare “Beyond Imagination.”

Brent Morin (Netflix’s "I Am Brent Morin") served as this year’s master of ceremonies, and attendees mingled with actors Richard Schiff ("The West Wing"), Jason Ritter ("Matlock"), David Del Rio ("Matlock"), David Sullivan ("Flaked"), Sheila Kelley ("The Good Doctor"), and Jimmy Akingbola ("Bel-Air").

Also on hand were many local celebrities, including University of Connecticut men's basketball coach Dan Hurley and his wife, Andrea Hurley.

The Golden Ticket Gala raised funds to support Connecticut Children’s mission of delivering customized, innovative care for every child in the state.

“We are incredibly grateful to our community of supporters and the many notable figures who joined us to raise awareness and much-needed funds,” said Paulanne Jushkevich, president, of Connecticut Children’s Foundation. “This event allows us to continue going beyond imagination and push past boundaries of existing pediatric care and research to bring hope and healing to children and their families.”

The Willy Wonka-themed gala featured a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, live auction, and entertainment, culminating in the Bid for Kids live appeal.

Funds raised aided a key initiative in Connecticut Children’s expansion plans, the Advanced Cellular & Gene Therapy Unit.

It will be part of Connecticut Children’s new eight-story clinical tower under construction in Hartford.

Its addition will enable children to receive life-saving pediatric bone marrow transplants close to home, rather than traveling out-of-state for essential care.

For more information on the Connecticut Children's Foundation and to donate, click on this link.