Big Brothers Big Sisters of CT raised more than $395,000 to empower local youth at the 60th Anniversary Gala.

BBBSCT 60th Anniversary Gala. Photo credit: Pamela Einarsen

Submitted

Big Brothers Big Sisters of CT (BBBSCT), the state’s premier youth mentoring organization, held its 60th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, Feb. 28, and raised over $395,000 at the event.

The milestone evening highlighted strong West Hartford ties, honoring West Hartford resident Jane Konover Coppa with an Enduring Champion Award for her instrumental support of BBBSCT’s first major strategic growth plan, which helped expand the organization’s reach in the 2010s. In addition, West Hartford resident and BBBSCT President & CEO Andy Fleischmann led the celebration, recognizing more community leaders for their lasting impact on youth mentorship.

BBBSCT 60th Anniversary Gala. Photo credit: Pamela Einarsen

Honorees included David Director of Cromwell, whose father was a founder and inaugural Treasurer of the organization; Wallingford Mayor Vinny Cervoni, who chaired the Board of two predecessor organizations and helped expand BBBSCT’s impact; and Joe Massoud of Westport, a two-time Big Brother whose family foundation supports youth mentorship. BBBSCT also recognized Wayne “Bear” Holcombe and Mike Mascaro for their longtime advocacy, support, and leadership.

“This great event reflected the efforts and support of hundreds of people – none more important than our Little Brothers and Sisters and their Bigs, who were a major presence at the Gala,” said Fleischmann. “They’re emblematic of the more than 1,600 children and young adults our team has served since our last Gala.”

BBBSCT 60th Anniversary Gala. Photo credit: Pamela Einarsen

West Hartford resident Big Sister Mary Mackey, who BBBSCT connected with Little Sister Charlize eight years ago, spoke of the joy of watching her mentee grow from a shy young girl into a confident young woman – now accepted to 14 colleges and planning to become a physician.

“Through mentoring Charlize, I’ve grown as much as she has, becoming a stronger leader, more connected to my purpose, and more courageous along the way,” Mary said.

BBBSCT 60th Anniversary Gala. Photo credit: Pamela Einarsen

Former WFSB Channel 3 anchor and reporter Alleah Red served as emcee for the event, which attracted 300 guests. Event sponsors included Liberty Bank, The Konover Coppa Family Fund, Stanley Black and Decker, Eversource, Quanta Service, The Travelers, Connecticut Lighting Centers, Hudson Insurance Group, and more.

The evening was a memorable celebration of 60 years of one-to-one mentoring and its life-changing impact. Myriad journal-reviewed studies show that when trained, caring adults mentor young people, participating youth are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as trying alcohol or drugs or engaging in bullying, and more likely to engage in school, graduate high school, achieve good wages, and be involved in their communities.

To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, visit ctbigs.org; to donate, visit https://ctbigs.org/donate.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.