Stars Shine at CEA’s Gala with a Goal

With oceanside dining and a view of New Haven’s skyline, hundreds of educators and public school advocates gathered at Amarante’s Sea Cliff on September 27 to celebrate CEA’s 176^th anniversary at a gala fundraiser benefiting the Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF).

“As we commemorate our union’s proud history, we come together to honor those who support our mission and continue to make our success possible,” CEA President Kate Dias welcomed more than 200 guests to the second annual gala. “It takes many of us working together to ensure access to great teaching and learning for all of Connecticut’s students—educators, school administrators, union leaders, legislators, civic-minded businesses, and strong community partners, like Dalio Education—and those are the faces we see in the room tonight.”

Dalio Education was the event’s title sponsor.

“Tonight’s gala is a reflection of the remarkable legacy of our organization, from equal pay without gender discrimination to a return to play-based pedagogy for our youngest learners, all of which find their roots deep in the work of our members over many decades, up through today,” said CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey, who serves as president of CEF. “It’s also a look toward a brighter future for public education in our state—one built on innovation, equitable resources, and the kind of diversity of thought and experience we find in this room, with a shared recognition that elevating the teaching profession and strengthening our public schools is how we ensure excellence in education for all children.”

WFSB Eyewitness News Anchor Nicole Nalepa emceed the event, which included a silent auction, dinner, dancing, and an awards presentation.

Honored with CEA Excellence in Education Advocacy Awards were

Dalio Education founder and CEO Barbara Dalio and Co-CEO Andrew Ferguson, whose organization’s strategy of listening to public school educators and its social investment of more than $150 million has provided essential support for educators and students, including assistance for disconnected and at-risk youth

Derby Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Conway, recognized for his respect for and collaborative relationship with educators as well as his work on the Governor’s Teacher and Recruitment Task Force and Connecticut Advisory Council for Teaching and Professional Standards

CEA-Retired Secretary Pat Jordan, whose commitment to education began early in her career as a Waterford math teacher and union leader and has extended well into her retirement, including serving on CEA’ and NEA’s Board of Directors, CEA’s Resolutions Committee, and its governance team. An early CEF supporter and a founder of its Children’s Fund, Jordan most recently co-authored a new business item that brought the issue of WEP/GPO repeal to the NEA floor, moving Social Security fairness closer than ever to Congressional approval

Devin Van Patten, an Avon early career educator, building rep, and NEA and CEA Representative Assembly delegate whose energy and passion were evident the moment she stepped into the classroom—not only in the way she inspires and connects with her students and advocates for her colleagues but also in her advocacy at town council meetings, the state legislature, and beyond for everything from public school funding to play-based learning

“Let’s take a moment to reflect on the successes and the standard-bearers we’ve celebrated here,” said Nalepa. “Look around the room. This is what excellence in education advocacy looks like.”

Also attending the event were Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents President Maureen Brummett and Executive Director Fran Rabinowitz, Dalio Education Director of Partnerships Chris Lyddy, Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett along with other elected city officials, as well as CEA Aspiring Educators, CEA-Retired, and leaders and members of numerous local education associations.

Sponsorships and advertising support were provided by Bridgeport Education Association, CEA Aspiring Educators, CEA-Retired, Cooperative Educational Services Education Association, Hamden Education Association and Town of Hamden, and NEA Danbury (Gold Apple Teacher Sponsors); Avon Education Association,  New Canaan Education Association, Shelton Education Association, Stratford Education Association, and Wallingford Education Association (Silver Apple Teacher Sponsors); Optavise and Travelers (Gold Sponsors); CAPSS, CBIA Foundation, and Miranda Creative (Silver Sponsors); and in-kind sponsors Barker Specialty, Bayard Printing Group, and Digital Creations, with additional funding from the Derby Education Association, East Hartford Education Association, Greenwich Education Association, Naugatuck Teachers League, Senator Norm Needleman, Capital Wealth Advisors of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, and individual CEA staff and members.

“The generosity of our members, staff, and many supporters allow the Connecticut Education Foundation to carry on the important work of providing school and living essentials for underserved students, scholarships for those pursuing teaching careers, gifts that brighten the holidays for children in need, books for young readers in economically disadvantaged districts, and emergency assistance for active and retired educators facing catastrophic illness or other extraordinary hardships,” said DeLancey. “The incredible turnout at this gala shows how deeply invested so many members and allies are in the success of our teachers and students—an enormous point of pride for CEF.”

“Great vibes, great company, and so much fun!” said Danbury educator Luanelly Iglesias.

“It was truly a great evening,” Avon Education Association President Jon Moss agreed. “A celebration of so many public education champions.”