Roaring 20's Event Recap
House of Heroes Connecticut would like to offer its sincerest gratitude to all those who helped make our 5th Annual Hearts & Heroes Gala on February 14, 2020, at Aria in Prospect our most successful fundraising event to date. More than 200 guests filled the ballroom dressed in Roaring 20s style in celebration of House of Heroes National’s 20th anniversary year, helping to raise more than $48,000 in support of our mission.
The event featured presentation of the 2nd Annual William J. May III Service Above Self Awards (please see our list of 2019 honorees below).
The 2020 event and its success could not have been possible without the support of our wonderful sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company; PCX Aerosystems; Johnson Brunetti; the Army Aviation Association of America, Connecticut Chapter; and the Glastonbury Rotary Club. A special thank you goes to Media Sponsor iHeart Media Communities and Renee DiNino for their enthusiastic support of House of Heroes Connecticut.
Remember to Save the Date for our 2021 Hearts & Heroes Gala, scheduled for Saturday, March 6, 2021 at a new exciting venue, the Oakdale in Wallingford!
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!
The William J. May III Service Above Self Award 2019 Winners
Chris Daigle
Volunteer
In recent years, the role that a small but vital group of skilled craftsmen and handyman volunteers have played in House of Heroes Connecticut’s success has become ever more important. Chris Daigle has emerged as one of those highly dependable skilled workers the organization relies so much upon. A Senior Project Manager at North Haven’s HB Communications, licensed electrician and former North Haven firefighter, Chris has spent countless weekends in recent years donning a toolbelt and helping House of Heroes fulfill its mission. Recently appointed to the House of He-roes board of directors, Chris’ dedication to the House of Heroes mission is unquestioned. Thank you Chris Daigle!
Fred Miller
Craftsman
What would a House of Heroes Connecticut project be without the help of Fred Miller? The Hamden native has been an integral part of House of Heroes Connecticut since the group’s founding in 2012, when his father, World War II veteran Fred Miller, was one of the very first military veterans to be served by the organization. The owner of FJ Miller Construction of Hamden, Fred has worked tirelessly and faithfully on some of the most diffi-cult and labor-intensive projects HOHCT has ever taken on, and has been a key asset and right-hand-man to HOHCT President and Project Man-ager Steve Cavanaugh. Fred further serves the organization as a member of its Board of Directors. Thank you Fred Miller!
Johnson Brunetti
Sponsor
Johnson Brunetti is an independent retirement and investment specialty firm with offices located throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. Founded in 2003, the firm has grown to a staff of more than 35. Joel Johnson, CFP® and the JB team of experienced profes-sionals have suc-cessfully helped and guided more than 3,500 families through the retirement planning process. The company became a HOHCT Project Partner in 2019, with two teams of hard-working employees completing a pair of projects in the company’s hometown of Wethersfield. Johnson Brunetti has already committed to an additional project in 2020. Thank you Johnson Brunetti!