Big Brothers Big Sisters Enjoys Wildly Successful Gala In Simsbury

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut

SIMSBURY/HARTFORD, CT — A major Hartford-based statewide mentoring nonprofit raised a whopping amount of cash at its gala in Simsbury last month.

Subscribe

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut, the state’s premier youth mentoring organization, raised more than $300,000 in philanthropic funds at its “Empowering Potential” Gala at 'The Riverview' in Simsbury on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Theresa Hopkins-Staten, president of the Eversource Energy Foundation and vice president for corporate citizenship and equity, received BBBSCT’s "Visionary Leader Award" at the event and got a standing ovation following her remarks.

WFSB Channel 3 reporter/anchor Alleah Red served as emcee for the event, which attracted more than 330 guests.

Event sponsors included Eversource, Stanley Black & Decker, Haugland Group and Quanta Services.

Sponsors and event attendees were supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission of changing children’s lives for the better, forever through one-to-one mentoring.

“We named this year’s Gala ‘Empowering Potential’ to recognize our esteemed honoree, Theresa Hopkins-Staten of Eversource, and to celebrate the youth in our programs, whose potential we are helping to empower alongside their caregivers and mentors,” said Andy Fleischmann, BBBSCT president and chief executive officer. “In the past year, our team has served 1,326 children and youth – an achievement that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors, donors, and partners.”

The gala featured performances by singer Cruz Angel, saxophonist Derrick M. Roberts II, the West Hartford School of Rock’s House Band and The Clutchtet trio at the Hartt School, with Dylan Rowland on piano, Eneji Alungbe on bass and Jimmy Gavagan on drums.

Attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception, dinner, and silent and live auctions.

Hopkins-Staten leads Eversource's pro-equity focus, promoting equity, accountability and inclusion in employee practices and community interactions.

“Little can become much, and I am humbled and honored to be recognized for the impact I’ve made,” said Hopkins-Staten. “It takes organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut to breathe life into a child’s spirit and to inspire them with vitality and belief in their potential, even in the face of challenges. The vision and actions of this organization are actively changing lives.”

Doaun Christian, BBBSCT’s "Foster Grandparent of the Year" and senior mentor at M.D. Fox Elementary School in Hartford, spoke to attendees about the valuable expertise Foster Grandparents share with children and teachers alike.

“Foster Grandparents provide important assistance to kids, who often want someone to listen and to help them be successful with their coursework,” said Christian. “I cannot tell you how often a child says they appreciate our simple presence. This is important work as we prepare the next generation of leaders - simply put, empowering potential.”

To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister click on this link.

To donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut, click on this link.