Be Open.
Be Brave.
Be Kind.
Denise’s three keys to a successful life, and the guiding principles of our Foundation.
Welcome to The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation.
Our mission is to carry on Denise’s passionate efforts to support advances in medicine and health, promote responsibility in the media, assist those facing physical and mental challenges, and support organizations and those demonstrating openness, courage and kindness in their endeavors. These causes were particularly close to Denise’s heart, and your generous donation will greatly assist in providing worthy organizations the support they need.
We are recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and can provide documentation for your tax deductible donation.
Thank you for your generous support.
2025 Premier Sponsor
Supporting Causes Close to Denise’s Heart
2025 Human Spirit Awards Dinner
Every year, we come together to honor people whose courage, kindness, and resilience light the way for others. On Saturday, November 15, 2025, join us at the Hartford Marriott to celebrate the extraordinary stories of this year’s honorees — individuals who have turned hardship into hope, and compassion into lasting impact.
This year’s honorees include Thomas Baklik, Edward M. Kennedy, Jr., the Bode Family, Richard Magner, Nelba Márquez-Greene, and Gabriel Felix (posthumously).
Take a look back at the unforgettable moments from the 2024 Human Spirit Awards Dinner — an evening filled with hope, courage, and community. These stories remind us why we gather each year to celebrate the extraordinary power of the human spirit.
Recent News and Updates
Raising over $6,000 in our inaugural year as an official charity in the Eversource Hartford Marathon.