The Golden Ticket Gala, hosted by the Connecticut Children’s Foundation, took place at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, marking another spectacular chapter in the city’s philanthropic scene. This high-profile event unites philanthropists, celebrities, and local leaders to raise critical funds for Connecticut Children’s, a hospital ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. As the only health system in the state fully devoted to pediatric care, Connecticut Children’s continues to deliver exceptional health services to children across the region.
The gala’s primary goal was to generate funds for Connecticut Children’s to continue its mission of providing specialized care and advancing medical research. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the Foundation is poised to expand its clinical offerings and maintain its commitment to offering children the best possible healthcare.
This year’s event dazzled with a Willy Wonka-inspired theme, offering guests a cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner, and live entertainment, alongside a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items. Guests were welcomed by a red carpet event, with appearances from some of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. Among the stars supporting Connecticut Children’s were Matlock actors Jason Ritter and David Del Rio, The West Wing’s Richard Schiff, and Bel-Air’s Jimmy Akingbola. Additionally, Producer Fernando Ferro and Public Relations expert Jane Owen attended to lend their support. Connecticut native and comedian Brent Morin brought smiles to attendees, donning an authentic Willy Wonka costume from Warner Brothers, perfectly capturing the evening’s playful spirit.
Paulanne Jushkevich, President of the Connecticut Children’s Foundation, expressed deep gratitude to the attendees and sponsors who made the evening a success. She highlighted how their support ensures that Connecticut Children’s can continue its work to provide innovative treatments and world-class care for children in need.
The evening’s highlight was the Bid for Kids live appeal, which raised significant funds to support the establishment of the Advanced Cellular & Gene Therapy Unit in the hospital’s new clinical tower. This revolutionary facility will provide cutting-edge treatments such as pediatric bone marrow transplants, enabling families to receive life-saving care closer to home. The gala far surpassed its fundraising goal, raising a record-breaking $2.6 million.
The silent auction was equally successful, featuring exclusive items from prestigious brands such as La Roche-Posay, Cover Girl, and New York’s favorite sports teams—the Giants and the Mets. In addition, the event gave attendees the opportunity to meet with Connecticut Children’s dedicated healthcare professionals, forging a personal connection and showcasing how their contributions directly impact the hospital’s mission.
Named the region’s “Best Charity Event” for four of the past five years, the Golden Ticket Gala continues to be a cornerstone of philanthropic success. SouthOcean Capital Partners once again served as the Presenting Sponsor, with other generous sponsors including All Waste Inc., Rotha, and The Manafort Family Foundation.
The funds raised will support the continued advancement of Connecticut Children’s mission to deliver specialized care to every child. This successful event highlighted the importance of community support and demonstrated how Connecticut Children’s is dedicated to providing extraordinary healthcare for the next generation.