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Bridgeport Gala Benefits High Achieving, Low-Income Students

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- The  Housatonic Community College Foundation's Eighth Annual Alumni Hall of Fame Gala will be held Saturday on campus in Bridgeport.

Sonia Manzano

Sonia Manzano

Photo Credit: Contributed
Sonia Manzano as Maria on "Sesame Street."

Sonia Manzano as Maria on "Sesame Street."

Photo Credit: Contributed
Peter Werth III

Peter Werth III

Photo Credit: Contributed
The evening will begin with cocktails at the Beacon Hall Event Center, where guests will mingle, enjoy live music performed by the Peter Everett Band and take a photo with the speakers.

The evening will begin with cocktails at the Beacon Hall Event Center, where guests will mingle, enjoy live music performed by the Peter Everett Band and take a photo with the speakers.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The gala is the Foundation’s primary fundraiser, raising support for a scholarship program for high-achieving, low-income students who are creating a path to successful careers. The program awards approximately $200,000 to students each year, according to a release from the Houstatonic Community College Foundation.

This year’s gala features Sonia Manzano, a.k.a. Maria on "Sesame Street," and Peter Werth III, founder and director of Himalaya Currents, which was established to support sustainable energy and water projects in remote Himalayan villages.

Each speaker will share their personal journey of overcoming obstacles to achieve something important: Manazano broke ground as one of the first Hispanic characters on national television, and Werth III transforms communities with green technology solutions.

“Each year, we honor the inspiring accomplishments of those making a significant impact on the community, and this year’s speakers are exceptional examples," said Richard Dupont, executive director of Institutional Advancement. "Sonia Manzano is an award-winning beacon for the national Hispanic community, and Peter Werth III is transforming communities through energy and education projects."

The evening will begin with cocktails at the Beacon Hall Event Center, where guests will mingle, enjoy live music performed by the Peter Everett Band and take a photo with the speakers.

A seated dinner will follow, with music by the David Childs Band, an award presentation and moving messages of overcoming obstacles, hope and possibilities.

Limited seats are still available. Tickets are $250 and may be purchased by visiting www.Housatonic.edu/HCCF. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Felisha Guirand, Fguirand@hcc.commnet.edu or call (203) 332-5975.

The corporate sponsors for the event are Bigelow Tea, Pullman & Comley LLC, Jet Blue, People’s United Bank, Premier Graphics, Reynolds & Rowella LLP, Antinozzi Associates, M&T Bank; and media sponsors: Hearst Media, Outfront Media and Trans-Ad Outdoor, LTD.

The event starts at 6 p.m.

Housatonic Community College is at 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport.

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