Nov. 15 Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation's "Human Spirit Awards" to Honor & Inspire

The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation invites the public to its 2025 “Human Spirit Awards Dinner”, paying tribute to six individuals and families who inspire others to make a difference in their communities and in our world. Presented by Johnson Brunetti Retirement & Investment Specialists and Sponsored by Goff Law Group, the event will be held on Saturday, November 15th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Hartford Downtown Marriott at 200 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford, Conn. Seats can be ordered now through November 1st at www.thedenisefoundation.com/spirit-awards-dinner

This second annual event celebrates the late TV broadcaster Denise D’Ascenzo’s Legacy of Openness, Courage and Kindness, and recognizes those who have exemplified these qualities in their lives. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, whose hope is to inspire others to make a difference as well. Guests will enjoy a delicious sit-down dinner, heartfelt comments and the presentation of The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s “2025 Human Spirit Awards” who are:

The 2025 Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s Kindness Awardee is Thomas Baklik – A steadfast champion of the Lower Naugatuck Valley’s nonprofit community, Baklik has led annual toy drive for more than 20 years, helping TEAM Inc. create magical Christmas mornings for countless children.

The Five Human Spirit Awardees (in alphabetical order):

· The Bode Family – Confronting the challenges of a rare disease, the members of the Bode family have turned personal hardship into powerful advocacy, championing accessibility for communities across Connecticut.

· Gabriel Felix (Posthumously) – Once a gang member, Felix’s life was forever changed when he was shot and became a paraplegic. He dedicated his voice to reaching young people with powerful lessons about choices, consequences, and hope.

· Edward M. Kennedy Jr. – After losing a leg to cancer at age 12, Kennedy has dedicated his legal career and life’s work to advocating for the rights and dignity of the disabled community.

· Richard Magner – Severely wounded in Vietnam, Magner went on to become the first Life Star pilot at Hartford HealthCare, saving lives while exemplifying courage and resilience.

· Nelba Márquez-Greene – Following the tragic loss of her daughter, Ana Grace, in the Sandy Hook tragedy, Márquez-Greene has devoted her life to teaching others about trauma and grief, while serving as a Public Health Activist-in-Residence at Yale University.

The November 15th event will feature a wide variety of auction and raffle prizes. Award presenters will include the Foundation’s President Dennis House of WTNH-TV 8 and Vice President Kara Sundlun of WFSB-TV 3, among others. Tickets for the dinner event are $175 per person or $1,750 for a table of 10, and are available through November 1st at www.thedenisefoundation.com/spirit-awards-dinner

Proceeds will benefit The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to carry on Denise’s passionate efforts to support advances in medicine and health, promote responsibility in the media, assist those facing physical and mental challenges, and support organizations and individuals who demonstrate openness, courage and kindness in their endeavors. The Foundation was established shortly after the broadcaster’s sudden death in December 2019. Since its establishment in early 2020, the Foundation has raised funds and made numerous donations to community organizations and causes that include the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital’s Toy Closet program, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children & Families, Hope in Focus for the visually impaired, The Children’s Tumor Foundation, and elderly services through the Twilight Wish Foundation and Peace, Love and ACCESSibility. Funds raised at this event will allow us to continue to support those most in need.

►If you have questions or seek more information about the awards dinner, contact David Condon at 203-231-2539 or david.condon@dnsassociates.com

For more information about The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.TheDeniseFoundation.com or The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation, P.O. Box 444, Branford, CT 06405.