On November 2, 2024, the Connecticut Convention Center hosted the Connecticut Children’s Foundation’s Golden Ticket Gala, an inspiring evening with a playful Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory theme. This event gathered a diverse group of celebrities, community leaders, and devoted supporters, all united to raise funds for Connecticut Children’s new Advanced Cellular & Gene Therapy Unit. The gala aimed to further the foundation’s mission of improving the health and wellness of children throughout Connecticut, helping ensure every child receives the best possible care.
Connecticut Children’s Hospital, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals, has become a cornerstone for pediatric healthcare in the region. Known for its specialized services and compassionate care, Connecticut Children’s serves as a vital resource for families. This year’s gala focused on securing funding for the Advanced Cellular & Gene Therapy Unit, which will be part of a new clinical tower currently under construction in Hartford. Once completed, this state-of-the-art unit will provide essential treatments, including pediatric bone marrow transplants, offering these services closer to home for Connecticut families.
The evening kicked off with a lively cocktail reception, where guests mingled and enjoyed gourmet appetizers under festive lights, setting a cheerful and inviting atmosphere. As the main event unfolded, guests were treated to an elegant dinner, live entertainment, and a thrilling auction, all contributing to the evening’s fundraising efforts. Comedian Brent Morin, known for his Netflix special I Am Brent Morin, emceed the event, adding humor and warmth to the proceedings.
The Gala’s star-studded guest list brought an added layer of excitement, with renowned actors like Richard Schiff from The West Wing, Jason Ritter and David Del Rio from Matlock, Sheila Kelley from The Good Doctor, and Jimmy Akingbola from Bel-Air lending their support to Connecticut Children’s mission. The presence of Jane Owen, a PR executive, and Fernando Ferro, an acclaimed film producer, added a unique dynamic, allowing them to personally connect with attendees and enhance the evening’s impact through their combined industry expertise. Together, these notable figures boosted the event’s profile and underscored the importance of raising awareness for children’s health needs.
Photo Courtesy: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for The Connecticut Children’s Hospital Foundation
Paulanne Jushkevich, President of the Connecticut Children’s Foundation, expressed profound gratitude to the attendees and sponsors for their unwavering support. “We are incredibly thankful to our community of supporters and the many prominent figures who have joined us tonight,” she said. Her words highlighted the strength of the collective effort to ensure every child in the region accesses high-quality healthcare, regardless of their circumstances.
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came during the live Bid for Kids appeal, which focused on the soon-to-be-launched Advanced Cellular & Gene Therapy Unit. The event was a phenomenal success, highlighted by an impressive fundraising total of 2.6 million dollars, underscoring the community’s generosity and support. The silent auction featured exclusive items from renowned brands and teams like La Roche-Posay, Cover Girl, the NY Giants, and the NY Mets, drawing significant attention and bids from attendees. This facility promises to be a game-changer for the region, bringing leading-edge treatments within reach for families across Connecticut and beyond. By providing treatments like bone marrow transplants locally, Connecticut Children’s will reduce the strain on families who would otherwise need to travel out of state for such care.
Throughout the night, guests also had the chance to engage directly with Connecticut Children’s healthcare staff. These interactions gave attendees an inside look at how their contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families across the region, reinforcing the importance of the event and the impact of each dollar raised.
For the fourth time in five years, the Golden Ticket Gala was voted the region’s Best Charity Event, a testament to the dedication of the Gala Planning Committee and the steadfast generosity of sponsors. This year’s presenting sponsor, SouthOcean Capital Partners, played a key role, along with other valued supporters, including All Waste Inc., Rotha, and The Manafort Family Foundation, among others.
Photo Courtesy: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for The Connecticut Children’s Hospital Foundation
As the night drew to a close, it was clear the gala had surpassed expectations, raising more than three times its initial fundraising goal. The impressive turnout and donations underscored the community’s commitment to enhancing pediatric care at Connecticut Children’s. All funds raised at the event will go directly towards advancing medical treatments and ensuring that every child who comes through the doors of Connecticut Children’s receives the highest quality of personalized care.
With comprehensive services spanning over 30 pediatric specialties and a network of more than 40 locations, Connecticut Children’s is committed to being there for families at every stage of care. Their dedication to pioneering research and fostering community partnerships is a national model in pediatric healthcare. This annual gala not only celebrates the spirit of giving but also provides crucial support for the institution’s mission to help the region’s youngest patients thrive.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
