The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation

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The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation

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Welcome to The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation.

Supporting advances in medicine and health, promoting responsibility in the
media, and assisting those facing physical and mental challenges, while encouraging openness, courage and kindness in all endeavors.

10/30/2026

Our 2026 Human Spirit Awards Online Auction is LIVE!

From unforgettable experiences and Caribbean getaways to exclusive sports memorabilia, theater tickets, and so much more, there’s something for everyone in this year’s auction!

This year’s exciting offerings include a beautiful getaway to Antigua, a hockey puck signed by Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, a basketball signed by UConn legend Donovan Clingan, lunch and racquetball with Dennis House, and orchestra seats to Jersey Boys at The Bushnell.

And that’s just a glimpse of what’s available!

Every bid supports the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation and our mission to carry forward Denise’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and giving back.

Best of all, you don’t have to attend the Human Spirit Awards Dinner to participate! Browse the auction, discover something special, and place your bids in support of a wonderful cause.

Auction Link in Bio

10/29/2026

Meet our 2026 Human Spirit Awardee, Rabbi Philip Lazowski!

A Holocaust survivor, spiritual leader, author, and devoted humanitarian, Rabbi Lazowski dedicated his life to preserving the lessons of history, inspiring compassion, and building a more understanding and united world.

As a young boy in Nazi-occupied Poland, Rabbi Lazowski endured unimaginable hardship, surviving the Holocaust through extraordinary courage and the kindness of others. His experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to education, faith, and ensuring that future generations never forget the consequences of hatred and intolerance.

After immigrating to the United States, Rabbi Lazowski became a beloved spiritual leader in Connecticut, serving his community for decades and sharing his remarkable story with students, educators, and audiences across the country. Through his teachings, writing, and tireless advocacy for Holocaust education, he inspired countless individuals to choose kindness, stand against prejudice, and recognize our shared humanity.

Rabbi Lazowski’s extraordinary resilience, compassion, and dedication to others leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

We are proud to honor Rabbi Philip Lazowski posthumously with a 2026 Human Spirit Award at the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s Human Spirit Awards Dinner on November 7 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

Join us in celebrating Rabbi Lazowski’s remarkable life, enduring legacy, and our extraordinary 2026 honorees!

Tickets & Sponsorships: https://thedenisefoundation.com/spirit-awards-dinner

The Emanuel Synagogue Voices Of Hope US Holocaust Memorial Museum Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford

10/24/2026

We’re just 2 weeks away from the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s Annual Human Spirit Awards Dinner!

Join us for a special evening celebrating the extraordinary people whose courage, compassion, and kindness remind us of the power of the human spirit. ❤️

We can’t wait to come together to honor these inspiring individuals and the difference they make in our communities. We hope to see you there!

Tickets available at thedenisefoundation.com.

10/22/2026

Meet our 2026 Human Spirit Awardee, The Luke Roux Foundation (Stephen & Carri Roux)!

After the heartbreaking loss of their son, Luke, who was killed by an impaired driver just 11 days after his high school graduation in 2022, Stephen and Carri turned their unimaginable grief into a powerful mission to protect others from experiencing the same tragedy.

In Luke’s memory, they established the Luke Roux Foundation, an organization dedicated to preventing impaired driving through education, awareness, advocacy, and innovative technology. Their mission is both urgent and deeply personal: to reduce impaired driving fatalities today and eliminate them tomorrow.

Through initiatives like SafeGrad SafeRide, which educates students about responsible decision-making and provides access to safe transportation, Stephen and Carri are reaching young people across Connecticut and empowering them to make choices that save lives. Their advocacy extends beyond the classroom, championing legislative action and vehicle safety technology to help prevent future tragedies.

Through their extraordinary strength, determination, and love for their son, Stephen and Carri are creating a lasting legacy of hope and meaningful change.

We are proud to honor the Luke Roux Foundation (Stephen & Carri Roux) with a 2026 Human Spirit Award at the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s Human Spirit Awards Dinner on November 7 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

Join us in celebrating Stephen and Carri, Luke’s enduring legacy, and our extraordinary 2026 honorees!

Tickets & Sponsorships: https://thedenisefoundation.com/spirit-awards-dinner

Connecticut

Uber MADD USDOT NHTSA

10/21/2026

The human spirit is powerful — it’s found in the kindness we show, the challenges we overcome, and the ways we make a difference in the lives of others.

Join us in celebrating the extraordinary individuals who inspire us through their courage, compassion, and commitment to helping others at the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s Annual Human Spirit Awards Dinner ✨

We hope you’ll be part of this special evening honoring the best of the human spirit! Tickets available at thedenisefoundation.com.

10/20/2026

Meet our 2026 Human Spirit Awardee, Ali Truwit!

An extraordinary athlete, Paralympic medalist, and passionate advocate for individuals with limb loss, Ali has transformed unimaginable adversity into a powerful mission of hope, resilience, and empowerment.

After surviving a devastating shark attack in 2023 that resulted in the loss of part of her left leg, Ali embarked on an extraordinary journey of recovery and determination. Just 16 months later, she represented Team USA at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, earning two silver medals in swimming and inspiring people around the world with her remarkable comeback.

Through her nonprofit, Stronger Than You Think, Ali continues to turn her personal experience into meaningful change, helping others with limb loss access the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Her courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to lifting others up demonstrate the extraordinary impact one person can have on the lives of others.

We are proud to honor Ali with a 2026 Human Spirit Award at the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s Human Spirit Awards Dinner on November 7 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

Join us in celebrating Ali’s inspiring journey, extraordinary accomplishments, and our remarkable 2026 honorees!

Tickets & Sponsorships: https://thedenisefoundation.com/spirit-awards-dinner

ali truwit Team USA U.S. Paralympics Swimming Paralympics

10/17/2026

✨ Just 3 weeks away! ✨

Join us for the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation Human Spirit Awards Dinner as we celebrate the inspiring individuals who make a difference in our communities. ❤️

We hope you’ll join us for an unforgettable evening honoring the power of the human spirit!

📅 Save the date and be part of this special night! Tickets available at thedenisefoundation.com.

10/15/2026

Meet our 2026 Human Spirit Awardee, Crystal R. Emery!

A visionary filmmaker, author, and disability rights advocate, Crystal dedicated her life to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others. As the founder of URU The Right To Be, Inc., she championed inclusion, representation, and equal access, using the power of storytelling to inspire meaningful change.

Living with a rare neuromuscular disease, Crystal refused to let physical limitations define her possibilities. Through her extraordinary determination, creativity, and advocacy, she challenged perceptions, amplified underrepresented voices, and inspired others to recognize the potential in every human being.

We are proud to honor Crystal posthumously with a 2026 Human Spirit Award at the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s Human Spirit Awards Dinner on November 7 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

Join us in celebrating Crystal’s remarkable life, enduring legacy, and our extraordinary 2026 honorees!

Tickets & Sponsorships: https://thedenisefoundation.com/spirit-awards-dinner

URU The Right To Be, Inc. Producers Guild of America IF/THEN NY Women in Film & Television

10/15/2026

Kindness has the power to bring people together, inspire change, and make a lasting difference. 💙

Join us for the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s Human Spirit Awards Dinner, an evening celebrating the compassion, openness, and humanity that make our communities stronger. Together, we honor those who lead with kindness and remind us of the good we can do when we show up for one another.

✨ Celebrate the human spirit with us. Tickets available at thedenisefoundation.com.

10/13/2026

Meet our 2026 Legacy Awardee, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp!

Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp has spent nearly four decades bringing joy, friendship, and a sense of belonging to children facing serious illnesses and their families.

Through its extraordinary programs, The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp creates opportunities for children to experience the magic of childhood, build lasting friendships, and discover a world of possibilities beyond their diagnoses. At its heart is a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the chance to just be a kid.

Its enduring legacy is a testament to the power of compassion, community, and the extraordinary difference that kindness can make in the lives of others.

We are proud to honor The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp with the 2026 Legacy Award at the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s Human Spirit Awards Dinner on November 7 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

Join us in celebrating The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and our extraordinary 2026 honorees!

Tickets & Sponsorships: https://thedenisefoundation.com/spirit-awards-dinner

Address

P. O. Box 444
Branford, CT
06405

Website

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-human-spirit-awards, https://thedenisefoundation.com/, https://DDHumanSpiritsA

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