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Boys & Girls Club of Hartford

2008 Gala & Silent Auction

The 2008 Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford’s Annual Gala and Silent Auction was a successful event enjoyed by nearly 300 guests from the Hartford community. The gala was held on Thursday, March 20th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Marriott Hartford Downtown. Susan Rottner, President of Bank of America served as Honorary Chair of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford 2008 Annual Campaign, with Bank of America as the lead sponsor and NBC30 news anchor, Brad Drazen, hosted as this year’s Master of Ceremonies. Additional major sponsors of the gala included Lincoln Financial Group, Travelers and The Hartford.

From Left: Samuel S. Gray, JR (President & CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, CT Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and 2008 Youth of the Year, Edgardo Rivera, Jr.

The annual gala serves as the organization’s premier fundraising event. According to Honorary Chair, Susan Rottner, “Support from the annual campaign helps to ensure that over 9,000 members — one-third of Hartford’s school population – are able to participate in educational and effective programming in a safe and caring environment each year.” Thanks to the generosity of those that supported this year’s gala, Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford raised nearly $300,000.

From Left: Jennifer Destefani and Joe Gianni.

The evening began with a silent auction from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by dinner and a program at 7:15 p.m. In honor of the gala’s 10th year, special recognition was given to all past Honorary Chairmen for their support. The individuals in the Honorary Circle were highlighted in a wonderful video and presented plaques to commemorate their contributions to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford. Other event highlights included an inspirational speech by Boys and Girls Clubs alumni Chief Charles A. Teale Sr., Hartford Fire Department, about his experience with the Clubs and a performance by the University of Hartford community dance division’s ballet group. An announcement was also made about the Boys and Girls Clubs Passport to Manhood program that was re-named in honor of Ahmad Rashad, tournament host of the Annual Ahmad Rashad Celebrity Classic, which generously raised funds for the Boys and Girls Clubs in 2007.

From Left: James Ibsen, Marlene Ibsen and guest.

Chief Charles A. Teale Sr., Hartford Fire Department with Wife Helaine.

From Left: Kathleen A. Murphy (CEO ING US wealth Management), Brian Comer and Nancy Comer)

From Left: Miriam Wheeler-Roane, Morgan Roane and Michele Palma.

From Left: Jennifer Pinsonneault, Shay Egan, Monique Price, Lila Ferrari, Christina Southland and Gina Guerrera of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford.

From Left: Liisa and Mark Livingstone.

From Left: Loreta Ray, Brad Drazen (Anchor/Reporter NBC 30) and Michele Palma of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford.

From Left: Ron and Sandy Welch.

From Left: Tara Spain, Tisa Rabun and Paula Frazao.

The evening also included an emotionally moving speech by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford’s 2008 Youth of the Year, Edgardo Rivera, Jr. Edgardo spoke eloquently about his experience in the Clubs, conveying his thoughts about what the clubs truly mean to him. “If it weren’t for the club, I genuinely believe that I would have ended up incarcerated or a high school drop out. Over 22,000 students attend Hartford Public Schools every day. Of those, only 8,000 students have had the unique opportunity to attend the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford. I am living proof that the club saves lives. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford means the world to me.” Edgardo’s incredible speech captured the hearts of the guests and brought the mission of the Clubs to life.

About the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford:

For over 145 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford have been here for at-risk children and families, providing year round after-school and non-school hours programs, services and support. Our efforts address critical needs, problems and have enhanced the positive growth and development of our children. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford have made it possible for thousands of Hartford's children to develop into positive, productive and caring adults. For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford and the programs they have, please visit www.bgchartford.org.