16th Annual Social Service Recognition Breakfast

Description

11/10/25 - Pre-registration has closed. Walk-ins are welcome.

Celebrating Impact, Inspiring Change

We invite you to join us in recognizing the distinguished social service agencies of Eastern Connecticut, whose dedication and service continue to enhance the quality of life throughout our region.

This annual gathering serves as a meaningful occasion to honor their impact, foster connections among community leaders, and hear from our keynote speaker, Mary Kay Curtiss, Principal and National Nonprofit Assurance Leader with CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP). Through the generous support of our sponsors and advertisers, we are able to extend a number of complimentary invitations to local social service agencies in gratitude for their invaluable contributions.*

Note: Complimentary parking is available in the gated premium surface lot near the lodge. Great Wolf Lodge Premium Surface lot is conveniently located adjacent to the hotel. A validation ticket will be provided at registration for the event. Upon arrival at the surface lot, drive up to the parking gates and take a parking ticket, and bring it with you to the Conference Center check-in table for validation by Great Wolf Lodge staff.

Should there be limited availability of parking on the surface lot, parking is also available at Foxwoods Rainmaker Self-Parking Garage: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iewpvmxNGLewMK5U6

Guests may decide to walk the short distance to Great Wolf Lodge, or they may take the dedicated Great Wolf Lodge Shuttle. The Great Wolf Lodge shuttle is located on the ground floor of the Rainmaker Parking Garage undercover outside as shown in the below image. The shuttle will bring guests to the Great Wolf Lodge Hotel Porte.

If you have trouble finding the Great Wolf Lodge Shuttle, please call our security team at #860-334-2685 who can assist.

About our keynote

With more than 25 years of experience working alongside nonprofit organizations, Mary Kay Curtiss brings deep expertise and genuine passion for supporting those who serve our communities. She has provided audit services to a wide range of nonprofits—foundations, human service agencies, healthcare providers, and educational institutions—and is well-versed in the compliance requirements of both Uniform Guidance and the Connecticut State Single Audit Act.

As the National Nonprofit Assurance Leader, Mary Kay leads her firm’s nonprofit assurance services across the country, helping teams grow, collaborate, and deliver with excellence. Previously, she guided nonprofit practice development across New England, fostering talent and strengthening the sector she cares so deeply about.

2025 Eastern CT Social Service Awards

We will also present the Eastern CT Social Service Awards, recognizing agency staff and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their duties, as nominated by industry peers:

Board Member of the Year:
Ericka Winstead, Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut

Executive Director of the Year
Claire Silva, Madonna Place

Staff Member of the Year
Michele Deane, Riverfront Children's Center

Volunteer of the Year
Caroline Driscoll, New London's Beautification Committee

Collaboration of the Year
New Capacities Norwich with United Way of Southeastern Connecticut 

Award Sponsor, Acrisure, will present these service awards, as well as the Guided by Heart Award to a surprise honoree.

Support and Marketing Opportunities:

Reach an influential regional audience of business and community leaders, while supporting complimentary event invitations to our compassionate and hard-working social service community. To reserve a sponsorship, please purchase online or contact memberships@chamberect.com.

Award Sponsor: $2,500 (Sold Out)

Presenting Sponsor: $2,000 

• Opportunity for remarks by company representative
• Priority reserved table of 8 people
• Company logo on marketing materials, including registration web page, printed program, and PowerPoint display
• Full-page, color ad in event program (5"W x 8"H)
• Distribute literature or promotional items at each place setting
• Display table for literature or promotional items
• Company banner on display (company must provide)

Supporting Sponsor: $1,250 

• Reserved seating for 4 people
• Company logo on marketing materials, including registration web page, printed program, and PowerPoint display
• Half page (5"W x 3.75"H), full color ad in event program
• Display table for literature or promotional items

Centerpiece Sponsor: $750 

• Reserved seating for 2 people
• Company logo on signage accompanying each take-home centerpiece for attendees
• Half-page, color ad in event program (5"W x 3.75"H)
• Company name on event webpage;

Display Table: $300 for Members / $200 Non-Profits

• Table to display your information and greet guests
• Reserved seating for 2 people
• Includes company name on webpage and in event program

Program Advertising - A wonderful way to thank our dedicated social service professionals and congratulate the Award winners! 

• Full page (5"W x 8"H), full color: $125
• Half page (5"W x 3.75"H), full color: $75
• Photo-ready ads (hi-res PDF, JPG or EPS) due 1 week prior to event date to admin@chamberect.com.
• Graphic design service, if needed, is available from the Chamber for $25

*Complimentary invitations will be sent in October. If your member 501(c)(3) social service agency did NOT receive a instructions via email, please contact events@chamberect.com.