What an incredible night! The 2nd annual Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation Human Spirit Awards Dinner was an evening to remember.

The event celebrates Denise’s legacy of openness, courage and kindness by honoring and recognizing those who have exemplified these qualities in their lives. This year’s recipients are a remarkable group:

Tom Baklik

Ted Kennedy, Jr.

Nelba Marquez-Greene

The Bode Family

Richard Magner

Gabriel Felix

The ballroom at the Hartford Marriott was decorated in Denise’s favorite color of coral, along with plenty of sunflowers. The silent auction featured some amazing items, all donated, including a Portland Trail Blazers ball signed by former UConn star Donovan Clingan. The acceptance speeches by the honorees were emotional and hearfelt and followed moving introductions by their presenters. We’ll be posting a video soon, but one of the moments that brought tears to people’s eyes was when Nelba Marquez-Greene said Denise was in heaven holding her daugher Ana’s hand.

I invite you to learn more about the foundation right here and I hope you can join us next year. https://thedenisefoundation.com/