Urban League of Greater Hartford’s Equal Opportunity Day Gala

Tickets on Sale Now for Thursday, December 5th Diamond Anniversary Fundraiser, Honoring 6 Community Leaders at Hartford Marriott Downtown

HARTFORD, CONN., November 15, 2024 – The Urban League of Greater Hartford will host its 2024 Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) Dinner & Gala on Thursday, December 5 at 6 p.m. at the Hartford Marriott Downtown at 200 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford, Conn. Themed “Diamond Anniversary,” the organization’s annual signature fundraising event will celebrate 60 years of service, recognize six community leaders, and feature dinner and dancing. Tickets and sponsorships are available now. Proceeds benefit the Urban League’s programs and operations.

“For six decades Hartford has been the home of an Urban League affiliate, and we are grateful for our Diamond Anniversary Sponsor, Eversource, who is helping lead the way to celebrating the legacy of the Founders, CEOs, staff and volunteers who have contributed so much to the region,” explains David Hopkins, the non-profit organization’s President and CEO. “When I think of the vision and courage that marks the life of Rachel Taylor Milton, who brought four other prominent leaders together to bring the Movement to Hartford, I am inspired and hope others are as well, to know the power we have to be the change we want to see in our communities.” The Urban League promotes racial equity through economic empowerment programs in the areas of youth development, adult education, workforce development, affordable housing, personal financial management, community health, and social justice, impacting more than 3,000 individuals and their families every year.

The Honorary Chair of the gala is Glendowlyn Thames, Head of Amazon’s Economic Development for the states of NY and CT, “I am proud to be taking up the mantle carried so passionately by past gala chairs Alan Lazowski, Tom Barnes, Greg Toczydlowski, Sandy Cloud, and Nitin Mhatre,” says Thames. “It has been an honor to serve and I’m particularly excited to welcome the new and renewed contributions of companies, foundations, and individuals who believe in the Urban League mission.” Thames has played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion of its core fulfillment, last mile delivery, corporate offices, and other operation facilities bringing multi-million-dollar investments and thousands of jobs to communities in the two states. She also played an integral leadership role in Amazon’s Supplier Diversity efforts that have enabled Amazon to surpass its $100M spend commitment with CT-based diverse owned or small businesses. Prior to joining Amazon, Thames served as Deputy Commissioner, COO & CFO for the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and President of Hartford City Council. She is a long-time supporter of the Urban League.

“This event is always one you don’t want to miss, and I especially enjoy seeing the awardees being celebrated for the work they do in the community,” says Nicole Hughey, Chair of the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s Board. ESPN anchor Jay Harris will serve as host for the fifth consecutive year. Ton the Don will provide the music as DJ.

The 2024 Equal Opportunity Day awards will be presented to:
· Business Excellence – Alan Schnitzer, CEO of Travelers.
· Community Champion – Jennifer Wilder, Owner of Big Red Book Truck.
· Civic Impact – Brandon McGee, Executive Director of the Social Equity Council.
· Cultural Heritage – Howard K. Hill, Founder of the Hartford Renaissance District.
· Leadership & Service – Tiffany Donelson, CEO of Connecticut Health Foundation.
· Young Professional – Morgan Tuck-Swali, Assistant General Manager of the Connecticut Sun.

“It is an honor both professionally and personally to partner with the Urban League for this year’s gala in support of their critical programs and operations,” adds Theresa Hopkins-Staten, President of the Eversource Energy Foundation and VP of Corporate Citizenship and Equity for Eversource, the event’s Diamond Anniversary Sponsor. “As a former Board Chair of the Urban League of Greater Hartford and Trustee of the National Urban League, I am delighted to honor our visionary, Rachel Taylor Milton, and her fellow founders as their legacy reaches 60 years of dedication to equal opportunity and social justice. We’re proud at Eversource to support organizations making a profound difference in our communities, and the Urban League’s core values align closely with our corporate commitment to equity, as well as deep and committed community and customer engagement toward established, trusting relationships in the communities we serve.”

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.

The Urban League of Greater Hartford is a community-based, not-for-profit 501©(3), established in 1964 as the National Urban League’s 66th affiliate. Now celebrating 60 years of community service, its mission is to promote racial equity through economic empowerment programs in the areas of youth development, adult education, workforce development, affordable housing, personal financial management, community health, and social justice, impacting more than 3,000 individuals and their families every year. Visit https://linktr.ee/ulgh64 or call 860-527-0147. Follow us on social media @ulgh64.

Financial donations to support the Urban League can be made at: www.ulgh.org/donate.