OIC Gala Brings Community Together
By Editor at May 22, 2024 | 8:30 am | Print
The OIC New Britain Gala brought the New Britain community together on Friday, May 15th at OIC’S fourth annual gala. The sold-out event featured Senator Chris Murphy sharing his comments about the OIC programs and the impact that OIC New Britain has had on this community for 43 years.
Mayor Erin Stewart, read a proclamation to open the event and OIC’s New Britain’s President Travis Rose brought greeting to the sponsors, guests and awardees.
Lorna Little, Executive Director of St. Agnes Home in West Hartford was the Mistress of Ceremonies and share her new book, “Mum’s, The Word”, which reflects leadership with relevant results and a secret a family kept for years. Lorna engaged the audience and expressed her excitement for the OIC celebration. Lorna represented the theme that OIC had this year, “Real Leadership”, Relevant Results”, she is a true leader in the greater Hartford community.
Hope Sullivan, keynote speaker for the event and daughter of Reverend Leon Howard Sullivan, Founder of OIC of America and responsible for placing 4 million people on jobs and improving their lives spoke and shared how OICs across this country and the world have impacted the economic and the United States.
Paulette Fox, Executive Director honored the awardees and thank each one of them for their commitment to improving the lives of youth and people in New Britain. Grace Church received the Connie Wilson Collins Award, Gerry Berthiaume received the Essence of OIC Award, Manafort Brothers, Inc. received the Angelo Tomasso Community Award with Angelo Tomasso assisting in the presentation of the award and Maria Pietrantuono received the highest award an individual or business can receive from an OIC, the Leon Howard Sullivan Award for all her work and commitment to the youth of the New Britain Health Academy and the youth employed in the Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program.
Fox said she would like to thank all her sponsors, volunteers and especially Paul Salina for the great photography and encourages everyone to get involved in making a difference in the lives of youth and adults in the greater New Britain community. Special thanks to Bill Tomasso, Gala Chairperson and Georgia Porteous, Silent Auction Chairperson and all the OIC Staff, Board Members and you the people who attended the event.
