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We're not wishing on stars.

We’re lighting the way forward—with bold science, unwavering heart, and a 100% relentless commitment to kids.

 

Get Tickets

 

November 14, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - midnight

Connecticut Convention Center | Hartford, CT

 

Connecticut Children’s Foundation Gala presented by Johnson Brunetti is the region’s premier philanthropic event—and a multi-year Best of Hartford winner for Best Charity Event. This unforgettable, creative black-tie optional evening brings together more than 1,000 influential philanthropists, corporate leaders, grateful patient families, and healthcare champions—all united by a 100% relentless commitment to kids. Join us for a night of inspiration and impact.

 

Together, we can light the way to brighter futures for the kids who need us most.

 

Get Tickets

An Evening Among the Stars

Celestial Cocktail Reception

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a sparkling cocktail reception filled with elevated bites, signature sips, and luminous moments around every corner. Capture the magic at celestial-inspired photo opportunities, delight in captivating entertainment, and get an exclusive first look at our premier silent auction packages before the evening’s brightest treasures are claimed.

Elle Duncan smiling with her partner
Women bidding with her padel

Lighting the Way Forward

7:30 p.m – 9:30 p.m. 

As the stars align, take your seat for an unforgettable dinner and Gala program celebrating hope, healing, and the power of philanthropy to illuminate what’s possible. Be moved by courageous patient stories, inspired by special performances that will make the evening shine even brighter, and take part in extraordinary live auction opportunities. Then, join us for our heartfelt Bid for Kids live appeal and help light the way forward for the children and families who count on Connecticut Children’s every day.

After Party Under the Stars

9:30 p.m. – midnight

As the formal program comes to a close, the celebration continues beneath the stars. Join us for an electrifying after-party filled with music, dancing, and radiant energy as we celebrate a night that is helping shape a brighter future for children.

With live entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere, this celestial celebration will keep the night glowing until midnight

Gala guests dancing at the afterparty
Gala auction items from the November 8, 2025 Gala

 

Donate an Item or Experience to Connecticut Children's Foundation Gala

You’re invited to help light the way forward for children and families by donating an item or experience to be auctioned off at the 2026 Connecticut Children's Foundation Gala.

 

Donate an Item

Stars Align for Children in Need

We invite you to demonstrate your dedication to improving the health and well-being of children and families across our community. Your philanthropic support will directly impact the Greatest Need Children’s Fund—a powerful resource that enables us to deliver world-class pediatric care, when and where it’s needed most, and regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

Girl smiling in the Emergency Department

Bid for Kids Live Appeal

This year, the Gala Bid for Kids live appeal will benefit Connecticut Children’s Emergency Department (ED)

Connecticut Children’s ED ensures that when a child faces a medical emergency, they receive the right care, from the right experts, in the right environment—immediately.

Connecticut Children’s ED is uniquely equipped to care for infants, children, and teens in urgent and emergent situations because their bodies respond differently to illness, injury, medication, pain, and trauma, and they require providers, equipment, and environments built around those differences.

Donate Now

Auction Details

  • When picking up an item, please park in circle drive in front of the building at 10 Columbus Boulevard; Connecticut Children's is located on the 4th Floor.
  • Items may be shipped within the U.S. for an additional shipping cost applied at the winner’s expense, thus full shipping cost to be covered by winner and shipping may vary. 
  • If your item is an envelope or gift card; we will send it directly to the auction winner in the mail per the address listed via OneCause registration website.
  • Please note: All bids are final; bidding is your intent to pay. Should redemption of an item be impacted by a business closure or supply chain shortage, Connecticut Children’s will convert your payment to a 100% tax deductible donation.
  • Please email galaauction [at] connecticutchildrens.org (galaauction[at]connecticutchildrens[dot]org) for questions or concerns.

Thank you for supporting Connecticut Children's Gala Online Auction

Light the Way as a Gala Sponsor

Visibility

Healing

Hope

A Charity Event You Don't Want to Miss

Salsa dancers on stage

Best of Hartford

The Connecticut Children’s Foundation Gala has been voted Best Charity Event five of the past six years.

Wicked themed Gala with guards

$3M+

Was raised at the 2025 Wicked-themed Gala.

All-Stars Austin and Garrett Family

100% Kids

We are the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to kids.

The Sponsors Lighting the Way

 

Presenting Sponsor

Johnson Brunetti

 

Impact Story Sponsor

All Waste Inc

 

Patient Ambassador Sponsor

ROTHA

 

Surprise & Delight Sponsor

Manafort Family Foundation

 

Guest Experience Sponsors

Harvest Properties Gengras

 

   LaRosa Groups     Metro Realty

McPheePrime Materials Recovery, Inc.

 

Invitation Sponsor

Dillon Design

 

Platinum Sponsors

DanaherLagnese, PC

F & F Mechanical Enterprises, Inc.

Liberty Bank

Paramount Machine Company

The Braunstein Family

 

Gold Sponsors

Ares Management

Bank of America

Barnes Aerospace Foundation

Simons Real Estate Group

TOMZ Corporation

 

Silver Sponsors

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Aramark

Hartford Business Journal

Hartford Healthcare

JOPR

Lockton Companies, LLC

Travelers

The Nicholas V. Perricone Charitable Foundation, Inc.

 

Bronze Sponsors

Adams & Knight

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

Blo Blow Dry Bar at The Shops at Farmington Valley

Connecticut Hospital Association

CDW Healthcare

Fiducient Advisors

ImageFIRST

Jefferson Radiology

M. Frank Higgins & Co.

M&T Bank | Wilmington Trust

Robinson+Cole

RT Specialty

Superior Products Distributors

 

Transportation Sponsors

ServiceMaster and Elite Limousine of CT

 

Shoot For The Stars Challenge Sponsor

Michaels Jewelers