On November 2, the Connecticut Children’s Foundation rolled out the red carpet for its Willy Wonka themed Golden Ticket Gala at the notable Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. This star-studded soirée was the talk of the town, attracting an array of celebrities, philanthropic leaders, and passionate supporters united in their mission to raise crucial funds for one of the nation’s premier children’s hospitals.
More than just an evening of glamor, the gala was a heartfelt celebration aimed at ensuring every child in Connecticut receives exceptional care. Honored by U.S. News & World Report as a top children’s hospital, Connecticut Children’s is the state’s only health organization wholly devoted to pediatric medicine. With the generous contributions from attendees, the foundation is set to enhance its innovative clinical capabilities, bringing groundbreaking treatments closer to home for the children who need them most.
The evening embraced a whimsical Willy Wonka theme that set a playful tone, featuring a chic cocktail reception, a gourmet dining experience, and a live auction that raised over three times its original goal and highlighting the incredible generosity of the attendees and supporters. Guests enjoyed a red carpet entrance as A-list celebrities joined the cause, showcasing their support for the hospital’s mission of delivering healthcare “Beyond Imagination.”
Among the attendees were Matlock co-stars Jason Ritter and David Del Rio, whose on-screen chemistry has captivated audiences. They were joined by Richard Schiff, known for his iconic role in The West Wing and his involvement in political circles; Schiff was recently honored at the Emmys alongside his cast. Jimmy Akingbola, who was celebrated for his cool, reimagined portrayal of Geoffrey in Bel-Air, also made an appearance. As well as having both Jane Owen, PR executive, and Fernando Ferro, an acclaimed film producer, present at the event added a unique dynamic, allowing them to personally engage with attendees and enhance the evening’s impact through their combined industry expertise. Brent Morin, the stand up comedian, actor and Connecticut native, made a memorable entrance in an authentic Willy Wonka costume sourced from the Warner Brothers Costume Department, delighting attendees with his nod to the theme and his local pride.
As the night unfolded, Paulanne Jushkevich, President of the Connecticut Children’s Foundation, took to the stage to express her heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming community support. She emphasized the evening’s significance in driving forward the expansion of pediatric care, particularly highlighting the establishment of the Advanced Cellular & Gene Therapy Unit—a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to delivering life-saving bone marrow transplants locally, eliminating the need for families to travel out of state for such critical treatments.
The event culminated with the poignant “Bid for Kids” live auction, where attendees raised their paddles for vital initiatives, directly impacting the future of pediatric healthcare in the region.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. Recognized as the Best Charity Event in the region for four out of the last five years, the gala is a testament to the hard work of the Gala Planning Committee and the generosity of sponsors. SouthOcean Capital Partners took the spotlight as the Presenting Sponsor, with All Waste Inc. stepping up as the Hatful of Dreams Wi-Fi sponsor, and numerous other sponsors supporting the cause.
The funds raised during this spectacular evening will empower Connecticut Children’s to invest in innovative research, advanced technologies, and treatments designed to provide every child with the personalized care they deserve. The event was a huge success, highlighted by an impressive fundraising total of 2.6 million dollars, underscoring the community’s generosity and support.
With the event running at the iconic Connecticut Convention Center, the focus was clear: to secure the future of pediatric care in Connecticut and their advancement in their cellular and gene therapy unit. As the night came to a close, it was evident that the Golden Ticket Gala not only honored the generosity of its supporters but also paved the way for significant advancements in the healthcare landscape, ensuring every child has access to the transformative care they need to thrive.
As the stars faded and the lights dimmed, the impact of the evening was undeniable—a collective step toward a brighter future for the children of Connecticut.
