The Urban League of Greater Hartford (ULGH) will host its 2022 “Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) Dinner & Gala” on Thursday, December 8 at 6:00 p.m. at the Marriott Hartford/Windsor Airport at 28 Day Hill Road in Windsor, Conn. Themed “Let’s Celebrate,” the organization’s signature fundraising event will honor six community leaders and feature dinner and dancing. Tickets and sponsorships are still available. Proceeds benefit the Urban League’s programs and operations.
“This EOD will mark the Urban League’s 58 years of service to the Greater Hartford region,” explains David Hopkins, the non-profit organization’s President and CEO. “The annual event is our time to appreciate the dedicated work of our staff and volunteers, acknowledge the generous contributions of our corporate and community partners, and applaud the accomplishments of our program participants.” The Urban League’s programs and operations impact more than 3,000 individuals and their families every year in the areas of education, employment, housing, health, and social justice.
The Honorary Chair of the gala is Sanford (Sandy) Cloud, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Cloud Company, a real estate and business development firm with headquarters in downtown Hartford. Cloud commented, “The Urban League is a critical staple of the community, and they deserve our support to continue this important work of empowerment and equity.” The respected lawyer and business leader served two terms as a Connecticut State Senator and currently is Chair of the UCONN Health Board of Directors. ESPN anchor Jay Harris will serve as host for the third consecutive year. Tony Harrington and Touch Band will perform.
“I am excited that we will be in person with our partners and friends, after two years of virtual gatherings,” says Jonathan W. Roberts, Chair of the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s Board.
“This important event provides another platform to partner with the Urban League,” adds Marty Guay, Vice President of Business Development for the Title Sponsor Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. “We are delighted to help honor the accomplishments of local leaders who demonstrate a selfless dedication to equal opportunity and social justice, which aligns with our corporate commitment to empowering people.”
The 2022 Equal Opportunity Day awards will be presented to:
- Business Excellence Award – Judy Marks, President & Chief Executive Officer of Otis Elevator Company.
- Public Service Award – Steve Austin, Sergeant at the Hartford Police Department.
- Community Champion Award – Paula Gilberto, retired Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.
- Cultural Heritage Award – J. Stan McCauley, President of the Greater Hartford African American Alliance.
- William “Bill” Brown* Community Leadership & Service Award – Harold Sparrow, President & Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Greater Hartford.
- Young Professionals Stewardship Award – Luz Holmes, Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator at New Britain Housing Authority.
Proceeds benefit the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s programs and operations.
To purchase tickets or sponsorships, contact Lois Stevenson at 860-728-4290 or events@ulgh.org.
Event sponsors include: Stanley Black & Decker; Travelers; Pratt & Whitney; Webster Bank; Comcast; OTIS Elevator; Bank of America; The Cloud Company; Hartford Steam Boiler; Liberty Bank; LAZ Parking; Eversource; Bob’s Discount Furniture; Borges Family; Cloud & Robinson Development Company, LLC; Shelbourne Global; Barnes Group; Inc.; Hartford HealthCare; Edgewell; The Zachs Family Foundation; Delta Dental CT; DoorDash; UCONN Health; Accenture; and Ion Bank.