Rebecca Corbin Loree and James Loree will be honored at the event.

Submitted

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut (BBBSCT), the state’s premier youth mentoring organization, has announced that it will hold its Annual Gala on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Society Room in Hartford. This year’s theme is “Expanding Potential.”

The event, which raises funds to support one-to-one mentoring across Connecticut, will include memorable testimonials from mentors (“Bigs”) and mentees (“Littles”) and present its prestigious Visionary Leader Award to prominent state business executives and philanthropists Rebecca Corbin Loree and James Loree.

Andy Fleischmann, president and CEO of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters said, “Rebecca and Jim Loree are truly visionary leaders. With a vision for a more equitable and empowering world, Rebecca and Jim Loree have made it their purpose to support young people in need. Together, they have demonstrated a readiness to support and dedication to inspire others to meet the needs of children and families. We are proud to honor Rebecca and Jim as leaders and champions of our mission to help children reach their full potential. And we look forward to raising a glass in their honor on Feb. 25 – and encourage others to join us!”

“My husband, Jim, and I are truly humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Rebecca Corbin Loree. “Since the mid-1960s, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been a bright light for underserved children in Connecticut’s communities, doing tremendous good and transforming lives. Our association with Big Brothers Big Sisters has been educational and inspiring and we have enjoyed working with Andy and the BBBS organization in support of furthering their mission and impact. We appreciate all of those who have donated time, money, and in-kind sponsorships in support of this year’s fundraising event – Expanding Potential – and especially event co-chairs, Connie Weaver and Monica Hoffman, who have worked tirelessly to ensure we achieve our goal, which we hope will be a new record for BBBS.”

Rebecca Corbin Loree is the founder and CEO of Farmington-based Corbin Advisors, a strategic consultancy accelerating shareholder value for public companies globally. She is a trusted advisor and partner to boards and executives who seek her firm’s research-based insights and counsel. James Loree is the former Chief Executive Officer of Stanley Black & Decker, where he served for 23 years, including six years as CEO, seven years as president and COO, and 10 as CFO. He currently sits on multiple public and private boards, participates in many associations and is deeply involved with the Jim and Rebecca Loree Foundation, which works to build stronger communities by investing in educational opportunities for underserved youth.

Attendees at the 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Gala can expect gourmet food and signature cocktails created by Tito Vodka mixologists, an eclectic assemblage of eventgoers, and an evening packed with fun and surprises. The live auction will feature a one-of-a-kind designer retail experience and an exquisite selection of wines. The program will be led by Crystal Hall, a former reporter at Fox 61 and a Big Sister for the past nine years.

“We are ramping-up to gather in person for the first time in three years at The Society Room of Hartford on February 25,” said Hoffman, the Gala co-chair. “Coming together in Hartford, the capital city and base of operations for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut, is extra special as we serve so many children in this community.”

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut’s 2023 Gala, or for ticket and sponsorship details, click here or contact Development and Events Manager Marisa Rader at [email protected].

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the 119-year-old national youth mentoring organization. Based in Hartford, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut offers life-changing programs to at-risk children in all of the state’s 169 municipalities. Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters by visiting www.ctbigs.org.

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