West Hartford resident Theresa Hopkins-Staten was honored with the BBBSCT’s Visionary Leader Award.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut (BBBSCT), 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, 2025. West Hartford resident Theresa Hopkins-Staten, President, Eversource Energy Foundation and Vice President, Corporate Citizenship and Equity, received BBBSCT’s Visionary Leader Award at the event and got a standing ovation following her remarks. Alleah Red of WFSB served as Emcee for the event, which attracted over 330 guests.

“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 West Hartford resident and former state legislator Andy Fleischmann, President & CEO. “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 the West Hartford School of Rock’s House Band, singer Cruz Angel, saxophonist Derrick M. Roberts II, and The Clutchtet trio at the Hartt School, with Dylan Rowland on piano, Eneji Alungbe on bass and Jimmy Gavagan on drums.

Event sponsors included Eversource, Stanley Black & Decker, Haugland Group and Quanta Services, all supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission of changing children’s lives for the better, forever through one-to-one mentoring.

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

Honoree Theresa 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, visit the website.

Donations can be made here.

Big brother Chris Montesi, Little Brother Dyson, Big Brother Alex beck, and Little Brother Mekhi. Photo credit: Alex Syphers

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