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'Sesame Street' Star Speaks At Bridgeport Fundraiser For HCC

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- Sonia Manzano, who has played Maria for more than 30 years on the popular children's show "Sesame Street," is one of two featured speakers for the eighth annual Alumni Hall of Fame Gala on Nov. 19 to benefit the Housatonic Community College Foundation's Scholarship Fund.

Sonia Manzano, who plays Maria on the longtime children's show "Sesame Street," is one of two keynote speakers at the eighth annual Housatonic Community College Alumni Hall of Fame Gala on Nov. 19.

Sonia Manzano, who plays Maria on the longtime children's show "Sesame Street," is one of two keynote speakers at the eighth annual Housatonic Community College Alumni Hall of Fame Gala on Nov. 19.

Photo Credit: contributed
Sonia Manzano, who plays Maria on "Sesame Street," will talk about overcoming obstacles at the Housatonic Community College Alumni Hall of Fame Gala on Nov. 19.

Sonia Manzano, who plays Maria on "Sesame Street," will talk about overcoming obstacles at the Housatonic Community College Alumni Hall of Fame Gala on Nov. 19.

Photo Credit: contributed
Peter Werth III, founder of the nonprofit Himalaya Currents, will speak at the HCC Alumni Hall of Fame Gala on Nov. 19.

Peter Werth III, founder of the nonprofit Himalaya Currents, will speak at the HCC Alumni Hall of Fame Gala on Nov. 19.

Photo Credit: contributed

Manzano is joined by Peter Werth III, founder and director of Himalaya Currents, a Connecticut-based nonprofit foundation supporting water and energy projects in Nepal, to give keynote talks at the gala. It all starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the college campus, 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport.

Tickets are $250 and are available online. Proceeds go to the Housatonic Community College Foundation’s Scholarship Fund, which distributes between $150,000 and $200,000 annually to deserving students. 

Manzano, known by adults and children alike after more than 30 years on the PBS show "Sesame Street," will talk about how she overcame obstacles and persevered to break ground as one of the first Hispanic characters on national television.

Wirth, whose foundation has worked on hydrokinetic energy and power generation in Nepal, will focus his comments on how technology solutions can transform a fragile environment. 

The evening will begin with cocktails at the Beacon Hall Event Center, where guests will have a chance to mingle, enjoy live music and take a photo with the keynote speakers. The cocktail reception will be followed by a seated dinner, an award presentation and messages from the two speakers.

“We are thrilled to present these high-caliber speakers who exemplify what it means to imagine, persevere and achieve,” said Richard Dupont, executive director of institutional advancement. “Their messages will inspire the audience, and the event raises funds for high-achieving, low-income students that are creating a path to successful careers.”

For more information contact the HCC Foundation office at 203-332-5293. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Felisha Guirand, Fguirand@hcc.commnet.edu or call 203-332-5975. 

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