Markeshia Ricks Photo
Honorees Benitez and Keyes.
The Board of Alders Black and Hispanic Caucus might have used the mystery of the mask to set the stage for its fifth gala, but the party’s purpose was no mystery.
People had gathered to raise money for programs that help the Elm City’s senior citizens and its young people, fête community heroes and have a good time.
Honorees Brown and LEAP’s Yakeita Robinson and Henry Fernandez.
The annual event, which was held at Anthony’s Ocean View Thursday, was sold out and drew a well-dressed crowd of about 400 of the city’s politicos and other community movers and shakers.
Student BOE member Coral Oritz and Dixwell Alder Jeanette Morrison.
“Look at you,” Dixwell Alder Jeanette Morrison exclaimed to a room filled with feathered masks, suits and sequins. “This is beautiful!”
Before the party started Morrison took care of a little housekeeping by reminding attendees that when the majority of the current crop of alders came into office, they set a legislative agenda.
Guess who is behind the mask. Hint: One person can be found in the mayor’s office the other on Orange Street.
“We’ve done some really great things,” she said, while pointing out that alders are again looking to the community to help set a new course. Morrison got the staff at Anthony’s to turn up the house lights so that the captive audience could fill out legislative agenda forms on the spot.
Yale’s Lauren Zucker, President Walker, and a mysterious masked man.
Board President Tyisha Walker said the gala is a time to celebrate all the things that alders and community members have accomplished together.
“Together we can do endless things,” she said.
Hill Alder Evelyn Rodriguez and her sister.
Many in attendance came to celebrate the men and women of the hour.
Beaver Hills Alder Brian Wingate and a guest.
Police Lt. Sam Brown, the former district manger for the Dixwell neighborhood and current patrol supervisor for the police department, was recognized for his commitment to community policing, while LEAP was recognized for its work with the city’s youth to not only provide them a place to go after school and in the summer but also mentorship and jobs.
City culture czar Andy Wolf and former downtown Alder Abigail Roth.
Longtime community organizer and educator Abie Benitez was recognized for her work with children and her commitment to literacy. Judge Jack Keyes was honored for the difference he has made in the lives of hundreds of families.
Edgewood Alder Evette Hamilton and guests.
Dwight Alder Frank Douglass with his daughter and wife.
Annex Alder Al Paolillo Jr. and Honoree Sam Brown.
Alders Brian Wingate and Dolores Colon cut a rug.