The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation Human Spirit Awards Dinner
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 5:30pm
Location: Hartford Downtown Marriott, Hartford, CT
Join us for the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s 2025 Human Spirit Awards Dinner — an evening of celebration, community, and inspiration. Guests will enjoy a moving awards ceremony, dinner, and the opportunity to honor remarkable individuals whose courage, kindness, and resilience continue to uplift us all.
Join Us for an Evening of Inspiration
On Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 5:30pm the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation will come together at the Hartford Downtown Marriott for the 2025 Human Spirit Awards Dinner — an unforgettable evening devoted to honoring the very best of what it means to be human.
This annual celebration shines a light on extraordinary individuals who have turned hardship into hope, and kindness into action. Their courage, compassion, and resilience remind us that even in life’s most difficult moments, the human spirit has the power to rise, to heal, and to inspire change in the world around us.
As we gather in community, we will not only recognize the achievements of our honorees but also carry forward Denise’s legacy — one rooted in openness, courage, and kindness. Together, we will share stories that uplift, celebrate acts of love that ripple far beyond one person, and honor lives that continue to make a profound difference.
We invite you to be part of this moving evening — a celebration of resilience, compassion, and the enduring light of the human spirit.
*Reduced pricing available until September 15, 2025
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.
Past Honorees
2024 Recipients
The Kindness Award — Dan Nolan (posthumously), recognized for his enduring spirit of generosity and compassion.
Human Spirit Awards — Bill Petit, Dave Stevens, Lesley Bennett, the Bristol Police Department, and Jalyn Hunter, honored for their perseverance in the face of adversity and their commitment to improving and inspiring the lives of others.
Take a look back at the unforgettable moments from the 2024 Human Spirit Awards Dinner.
Kindness Award Posthumously to Dan Nolan
Dave Stevens
Dr. William Petit
Bristol Police Department
Jayln Hunter
Lesley Bennett