Big Brothers Big Sisters of CT is marking its 60th anniversary by honoring members of the Greater Hartford community.
BBBSCT has for 50 year helped to match over 100,000 area children with caring adult mentors, as part of its mission to help every child reach their full potential, according to the organization.
The organization also provides professionally supported matches between adult volunteers and children, ages 6 through 18, in all of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns. The adult mentors help develop positive relationships that aim to have a direct impact on student achievement and success, according to the organization.
In honor of six decades of service in the community, BBBSCT is holding a 60th Anniversary Gala on Feb. 28 at the Riverview in Simsbury. The evening will recognize the leaders, mentors and supporters whose dedication shaped the organization’s mission and helped over 1,400 children across Connecticut in the past year, organizers said.
It started as a CT college mentoring gig. How 35 years later these women are sisters for life.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut will honor six individuals. Among this year’s honorees include Jane Konover Coppa of West Hartford and Michael A. Mascaro of East Hartford.
According to BBBSCT, “Coppa, the leader of The Simon Konover Company, has carried forward her family’s legacy of integrity, excellence and community engagement. She has dedicated her time and resources to charitable efforts across Connecticut, including significant involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Her support of BBBSCT’s first major strategic growth plan in the 2010s was instrumental to its success, and the organization remains deeply grateful for her guidance and commitment.”
“Michael, who became a Little Brother at age 8 while living in East Hartford, was mentored by Tim Ruark, who recognized his aptitude for math and science and encouraged him to pursue an education and career in these areas — a mentorship that profoundly shaped his path. Michael has since built a distinguished career in technology, with roles at Comcast, Meta, Google, and Nvidia. Inspired to give back, he became a Big Brother himself a decade ago, later joined BBBSCT’s Board of Directors, and received the Myra Kraft Community Impact Award for his contributions,” according to the organization.
Officials said proceeds from the event will directly support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut’s mentoring programs, ensuring the continuation of life-changing relationships for young people. Last year’s gala raised over $300,000 in funds to help with mentoring.
