Greater Hartford Urban League's Big Gala, What You Need To Know

HARTFORD/WINDSOR, CT — The Urban League of Greater Hartford (ULGH) will host its 2022 “Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) Dinner & Gala” on Thursday, Dec. 8.

The event will be at 6 p.m. at the Marriott Hartford/Windsor Airport at 28 Day Hill Road in Windsor.

Themed “Let’s Celebrate,” the organization’s signature fundraising event will honor six community leaders and feature dinner and dancing.

Event tickets and sponsorships are available now and proceeds benefit the Urban League of Hartford’s programs and operations.

“This EOD will mark the Urban League’s 58 years of service to the Greater Hartford region,” said David Hopkins, the nonprofit organization’s president and CEO. “The annual event is our time to appreciate the dedicated work of our staff and volunteers, acknowledge the generous contributions of our corporate and community partners, and applaud the accomplishments of our program participants.”

Urban League programs and operations impact more than 3,000 individuals and their families every year in the areas of education, employment, housing, health and social justice.

The honorary chair of the gala is Sanford (Sandy) Cloud, Jr., chief executive officer of The Cloud Co., a real estate and business development firm with headquarters in downtown Hartford.

Cloud is a lawyer and business leader who served two terms as a Connecticut State Representative and currently is chair of the UConn Health Board of Directors.

ESPN anchor Jay Harris will serve as host for the third consecutive year. Tony Harrington and Touch Band will perform.

“I am excited that we will be in person with our partners and friends, after two years of virtual gatherings,” says Jonathan W. Roberts, chair of the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s board.

“This important event provides another platform to partner with the Urban League,” added Marty Guay, vice president of business development for the title sponsor Stanley, Black & Decker. “We are delighted to help honor the accomplishments of local leaders who demonstrate a selfless dedication to equal opportunity and social justice, which aligns with our corporate commitment to empowering people.”

The 2022 Equal Opportunity Day awards will be presented to:

· Business Excellence Award – Judy Marks, president and chief executive officer of Otis Elevator Co.

· Public Service Award – Steve Austin, sergeant at the Hartford Police Department.

· Community Champion Award – Paula Gilberto, retired chief executive officer of the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.

· Cultural Heritage Award – J. Stan McCauley,pPresident of the Greater Hartford African American Alliance.

· William “Bill” Brown Community Leadership & Service Award – Harold Sparrow, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Hartford.

· Young Professionals Stewardship Award – Luz Holmes, family self sufficiency coordinator at New Britain Housing Authority.

Proceeds benefit the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s programs and operations.

The Urban League of Greater Hartford is a community-based, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to promote racial equity through economic empowerment in the areas of youth development, adult education, workforce development and training, affordable housing, financial literacy, health equity, social justice and advocacy.

For more information on the Urban League of Greater Hartford, click on this link.

To purchase tickets or sponsorships, contact Lois Stevenson at 860-728-4290 or events@ulgh.org.