On November 2, 2024, the Connecticut Convention Center was transformed into a magical Willy Wonka wonderland for the Connecticut Children’s Foundation’s Golden Ticket Gala. It was a night full of excitement, with celebrities, community leaders, and supporters joining forces to raise money for Connecticut Children’s Hospital—recognized as one of the exceptional pediatric hospitals in the U.S. This hospital, the only one in Connecticut exclusively for kids, provides incredible care to children of all ages.
The evening wasn’t just about fancy food and fun entertainment. Guests were there to help Connecticut Children’s build a brand-new cellular and gene therapy unit, which will make it possible for kids to receive innovative treatments close to home. Thanks to the donations from everyone who attended, the hospital is one step closer to expanding its services and offering more advanced care to young patients across the state.
The gala, inspired by the whimsical world of Willy Wonka, kicked off with a fun cocktail hour and included dinner, live entertainment, and an exciting auction. Famous faces made it a night to remember, with stars like Matlock actors Jason Ritter and David Del Rio, The West Wing’s Richard Schiff, and Bel-Air’s Jimmy Akingbola mingling with the crowd. Brent Morin, a comedian from Connecticut, even showed up in a custom Willy Wonka costume, adding a touch of humor and hometown pride. UCONN basketball coach Dan Hurley, known for his dedication to kids’ causes, also joined in, as did ESPN personalities like Seth Greenberg and Field Yates, showing strong support from the sports world. A number of the attending celebrities were invited to the gala by Publicist Jane Owen and her husband Filmmaker Fernando Ferro, the couple recently relocated to Connecticut from Los Angeles. “Bringing together these incredible talents for the Connecticut Children’s Hospital Gala was truly inspiring,” says Jane, a board member of the Children’s Hospital Foundation “Their presence not only lights up the room but also amplifies the hospital’s mission to provide world-class care for young patients. When celebrities show up in support, it creates a ripple effect, raising awareness and driving donations that make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.”
Photo Courtesy: JOPR / The Connecticut Children’s Hospital Foundation
Paulanne Jushkevich, President of the Connecticut Children’s Foundation, spoke passionately about the importance of the evening and thanked everyone for helping the hospital’s mission. She highlighted how this event is helping advance medical treatments and making a real difference for children and families in Connecticut. “We are incredibly grateful to our community of supporters and the many notable figures who are joining us to raise awareness and much-needed funds,” said Paulanne.
One of the night’s big moments was the “Bid for Kids” live auction, where guests had the chance to contribute directly to Connecticut Children’s new Advanced Cellular & Gene Therapy Unit. This new facility will bring groundbreaking treatments like pediatric bone marrow transplants right to Hartford, so families don’t have to travel far for their kids to get life-saving care.
Throughout the night, attendees heard from healthcare workers and saw firsthand the impact their support has on kids’ lives. This close connection made the event even more meaningful, as everyone realized just how much their contributions help families in need.
Photo Courtesy: JOPR / The Connecticut Children’s Hospital Foundation
For the past few years, the Golden Ticket Gala has earned a reputation as the region’s Best Charity Event, thanks to the hard work of the planning committee and the generosity of its sponsors, like SouthOcean Capital Partners and All Waste Inc. The night ended with an impressive fundraising total of $2.68 million, far exceeding expectations and underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting Connecticut Children’s.
As the evening wrapped up, it was clear that the Golden Ticket Gala wasn’t just about raising money—it was about creating a brighter future for every child in Connecticut. The event proved that when a community comes together, there’s no limit to the positive change it can make for kids and families.
Published by: Martin De Juan
