Hearts and Heroes Gala 2026 An Emerald Evening

Saturday March 14, 2026 6pm-11pm

Featuring Live Performance from

Mass-Conn Fusion

AN EMERALD EVENING 2026

To All of Our Valued House of Heroes Connecticut Supporters: Let the shenanigans begin! Consider this Invitation your lucky charm for the St. Paddy’s Party of the Year, “An Emerald Evening: Celebrating 10 Years of Hearts & Heroes” on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

It is House of Heroes Connecticut’s biggest fundraiser of the year and your support and/or presence will be sure to provide the Luck o’ the Irish our Veterans Service Organization hopes for as we begin our 2026 Year of Service. It will be one fabulous night of Emerald Green fun, food, libations and dancing to the sounds of Mass-Conn- Fusion, all for the great cause that is House of Heroes Connecticut. The highlight of “An Emerald Evening” will be presentation of our annual William J. May III Service Above Self Awards. As always, outstanding raffle prizes and a terrific silent auction will be offered. This major fundraising gala is the ideal opportunity to support your favorite cause, House of Heroes Connecticut.

A variety of event support options are available, from sponsorships to program advertising to table purchases to individual tickets. Click here to learn about all the ways you can be a part of this terrific event. House of Heroes Connecticut’s Hearts & Heroes Gala is a great way to demonstrate your support of America’s heroes with clients, employees, friends and family.

Please plan NOW to support our mission to assist military and public safety veterans and their surviving spouses. All net event proceeds will make our work to keep Connecticut veterans safely in their own homes possible. Thank you as always for helping us “Make a Difference in a Day.” May every petal on the shamrock bring you – and House of Heroes – joy and good lucK.

The William J. May III Service Above Self Awards

Bill May was all about honor, and service. The House of Heroes Connecticut Chapter cofounder,

who passed away in December 2016 following a two-year battle with cancer, made a life of serving both his country and his fellow comrades in need through his devotion to the House of Heroes mission. In Bill’s final months, he worked tirelessly in his dual roles as chairman of both House of Heroes National and the Connecticut Chapter to do all he could to expand House of Heroes nationwide impact. One thing Bill knew was that he could not do it alone - fulfillment of the House of Heroes mission was then, and remains today, dependent upon an army of advocates,

volunteers, sponsors and supporters who make our work possible. So it is only fitting that Bill, and his legacy of service, be celebrated by honoring, on an annual basis, those vital supporters who help us keep Bill’s dream alive. House of Heroes Connecticut is proud to introduce this year its

inaugural William J. May III Service Above Self Awards, to be presented annually to a sponsor, contractor & volunteer whose selfless contributions help make our mission possible.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees! Your time, talents and financial support are fitting tributes to Bill May’s legacy, and are helping House of Heroes Connecticut continue to Make a Difference in a Day for deserving Connecticut veterans. Thank you!

Service Above Self Award 2025 Winners

Jesse Timm

Volunteer

HOHCT is chock full of volunteers who are unsung heroes, those who shun the spotlight and come to help at a Veteran service project at a moment’s notice, making the work we do possible. Jesse Timm is one of those volunteers. Jesse has quietly provided invaluable assistance at countless HOHCT projects since 2016. A retired installer of rehab equipment including ramps, stair lifts and the like, his skills - and his appreciation for those who served - are ideal matches for HOHCT. “I am honored to be chosen Volunteer of the Year,” says Jesse, whose granddaughter Acelynn is an aspiring carpenter and now joins him on HOHCT jobs. “I find the organization’s mission fantastic and I find the work very rewarding.” Thank you, Jesse!

Dave Cote and Kevin Cote

Craftsman

Dave Cote goes back with HOHCT Co-Founder Steve Cavanaugh to middle school in Hamden. So it was only natural that Dave, and later his younger brother Kevin, came on board to help Steve, and Veterans in need, after Steve co-founded the organization with Bill May in 2012. As skilled craftsmen they have been indispensible on numerous jobs, and are most comfortable working hard behind the scenes to make life easier for deserving Veterans. “These Veterans, they are heroes, and I welcome the chance to give them a hand,” says Dave. Adds Kevin, “This work means a lot to me inside.” Thank you, Dave and Kevin!

CrossFit of Wallingford

Sponsor

HOHCT Co-Founder, the late Bill May, Sr., used to work out with his son, Hamden police officer Bill May, Jr., at CrossFit Wallingford. Bill Jr.’s fellow officer, the now-retired Rob Villano, owned then and still owns CrossFit along with partner John DelGrego. Rob was inspired by Bill Sr.’s commitment to helping his fellow Vets through House of Heroes, and in 2019 started the CrossFit Hero Challenge, an annual marathon charity workout in which participants raise funds for HOHCT. The event has been a smash success, raising more than $20,000 for the cause. “Through suffering and taking on the hardest thing ever, the CrossFit Challenge pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of our Veterans,” says Villano. Thank you, CrossFit Wallingford!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

All Sponsorships include a table of 10 guests

4 Clovers $2,500

Brand visibility via news release, e-blast, social media, print collateral and HOH CT website.

Your company branding signage displayed at event.

Full page ad in Hearts & Heroes commemorative program book.

Complimentary table for 10 guest ($1,300 value).

3 Clovers $2,000

Brand visibility via e-blast, social media, and HOH CT website.

Your company branding signage displayed at event.

Half page ad in Hearts & Heroes commemorative program book.

Complimentary table for 10 guest ($1,300 value).

2 Clovers $1,500

Brand visibility via social media and HOH CT website.

Your company name listed on event sponsor signage.

Quarter page ad in Hearts & Heroes commemorative program book.

Complimentary table for 10 guest ($1,300 value).

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

Can't attend our event? You can still support House of Heroes Connecticut by advertising in our full color, An Emerald Evening 2026 commemorative program detailing the House of Heroes CT story.

Your ad will help us continue our mission to recognize, honor and serve Connecticut military and public safety veterans and their spouses and family for their sacrificial service to our nation.

Full Page (5x8) $1,000