2025 Honorees

This year, we are proud to honor remarkable individuals whose lives embody courage, compassion, and resilience.

The Kindness Award

Thomas Baklik — A steadfast champion of the Valley nonprofit community, Thomas has led an annual toy drive for over 20 years, helping TEAM Inc. create magical Christmas mornings for countless children.

Human Spirit Awards

Edward M. Kennedy, Jr. — After losing a leg to cancer at age 12, Edward dedicated his legal career and life’s work to advocating for the rights and dignity of the disabled community.

The Bode Family — Confronting the challenges of a rare disease, the Bode family turned personal hardship into powerful advocacy, championing accessibility for communities across Connecticut.

Richard Magner — Severely wounded in Vietnam, Richard went on to become the first Life Star pilot at Hartford HealthCare, saving lives while exemplifying courage and resilience.

Nelba Márquez-Greene — Following the tragic loss of her daughter, Ana Grace, in the Sandy Hook tragedy, Nelba has devoted her life to teaching others about trauma and grief while serving as a Public Health Activist in Residence at Yale University.

Gabriel Felix (posthumously) — Once a gang member, Gabriel’s life was forever changed when he became a paraplegic. He dedicated his voice to reaching young people with powerful lessons about choices, consequences, and hope.