New Haven-Area's Crystal R. Emery to be Honored Posthumously by The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation

The late Crystal R. Emery, a courageous filmmaker, playwright and activist, will be honored with a “2026 Human Spirit Award” by The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation at a special event on Saturday, November 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Hartford Marriott Downtown at 200 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford, Conn.

Presented by Johnson Brunetti Retirement & Investment Specialists, the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s “Human Spirit Awards” pay tribute to individuals and organizations who inspire others to make a difference in their communities and in our world. Admission tickets are $195 per person or $1,950 for a table of 10, and are available now at www.thedenisefoundation.com/spirit-awards-dinner

The “Human Spirit Awards” celebrate the late TV broadcaster Denise D’Ascenzo’s Legacy of Openness, Courage and Kindness, and recognizes those who have exemplified these qualities in their lives. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, whose hope is to inspire others to make a difference as well.

Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a delicious plated dinner, silent auction, heartfelt comments, and the presentation of The 2026 Kindness Award, The 2026 Legacy Award, and four 2026 Human Spirit Awards:

Four 2026 Human Spirit Awardees will be presented on November 7:

-·Crystal R. Emery (posthumously) – The late filmmaker, author, and activist lived with a rare neuromuscular disease that caused quadriplegia and drew on her own experiences to become a powerful force for change, breaking barriers and expanding opportunity for others. The New Haven-area resident was the founder and CEO of URU The Right To Be, Inc., a nonprofit content production company. In addition, she was featured in The Smithsonian Institution's #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit, a collection of life-sized 3D-printed statues of role models in STEM.

-·Rabbi Philip Lazowski (posthumously) – A Holocaust survivor who devoted his life to faith, education, and service, the beloved religious leader transformed unimaginable loss into a lifelong mission of compassion, remembrance, and hope.

-·Luke Roux Foundation – Stephen and Carri Roux – After losing their son Luke in a drunk driving crash, the Farmington residents transformed their profound grief into purpose, creating the Luke Roux Foundation to honor his life and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

-·Ali Truwit – After losing her leg in a shark attack, the Darien woman turned a life-changing experience into a story of extraordinary resilience, returning to the water, becoming a Paralympic medalist, and inspiring others to face adversity with courage and determination.

The 2026 Kindness Award will be presented to Andrea Hurley, known across Connecticut for making “giving back” a meaningful part of her life. She leads with generosity, compassion, and kindness in her charity work for Connecticut Children’s and other organizations that support children and families. As the wife of UConn Men’s Basketball Coach Dan Hurley, she has championed the Husky Ticket Project to enable disadvantaged families to attend the games, and is a #1 cheerleader – not just for the players, but for our entire state.

The 2026 Legacy Award will be presented to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, founded in 1988 in Ashford, Conn. by actors and philanthropists Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, the year-round overnight camp has a remarkable legacy of bringing joy, friendship, and possibility to children with serious illnesses and their families, creating a community where every child can simply be a kid.

Award presenters will include the Foundation’s President Dennis House of WTNH-TV 8 and Vice President Kara Sundlun of WFSB-TV 3, among others.

Tickets for the Saturday, November 7 dinner at the Hartford Marriott Downtown are $195 per person or a table of 10 for $1,950 and can be purchased now at www.thedenisefoundation.com/spirit-awards-dinner

Proceeds will benefit The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Branford, Conn.-based organization whose mission is to carry on Denise’s passionate efforts to support advances in medicine and health, promote responsibility in the media, assist those facing physical and mental challenges, and support organizations and individuals who demonstrate openness, courage and kindness in their endeavors. The Foundation was established shortly after the broadcaster’s sudden death in December 2019. Since its establishment in early 2020, the Foundation has raised funds and made numerous donations to community organizations and causes that include: Alzheimer’s Association – Connecticut Chapter; Blocks of Hope; The Children’s Tumor Foundation; Connecticut Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association; Connecticut Children’s Foundation at Yale New Haven Hospital; Feeding Families Foundation; The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp; Kenway’s Cause; Peace, Love and ACCESSibility; Make a Wish Foundation; Mary’s Place – A Center for Grieving Children & Families; National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences; Project Purple; Senior Promises; Stew Leonard’s Water Safety Foundation; and Yale-New Haven Hospital Toy Closet. Funds raised at this event will allow us to continue to support those most in need.

If you have questions or seek more information about the event, email liz@lreventsmanagement.com

For information about The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.TheDeniseFoundation.com or The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation, P.O. Box 444, Branford, CT 06405.