Horizons Gala Raises Over $600K for Bridgeport Students

Annual Horizons event honors three community partners and celebrates the program's impact on Bridgeport students

Key Highlights

• The Horizons Gala, benefiting Horizons Sacred Heart University (Horizons SHU), raised over $600,000 to support tuition-free academic enrichment for Bridgeport, Connecticut, students
• The event honored three philanthropic award recipients: Lawrence Ganim (Brad & Barbara Evans Inspire Award), the John & Ethel Kashulon Foundation (Build Award), and Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders (Connect Award)
• Horizons SHU provides year-round educational enrichment, mentorship, and support to Bridgeport students from pre-K through high school

The Horizons Gala brought together donors, community partners, and advocates this year to celebrate the impact of Horizons Sacred Heart University (Horizons SHU) on students from Bridgeport, CT. The evening raised more than $600,000 to support the program’s year-round, tuition-free academic enrichment opportunities for students from pre-K through high school.

Horizons SHU is a nonprofit academic enrichment program that serves Bridgeport students through summer programming, after-school activities, mentorship, tutoring, recreational opportunities, and social-emotional development. Its mission is to expand educational opportunities and ensure that access is not determined by a student's ZIP code.

“Every child has extraordinary potential, but potential alone is not enough. Opportunity is what allows that potential to take root and grow,” said Ashley Freeman, executive director of Horizons Sacred Heart University. “The generosity we witnessed this evening reflects a community that believes deeply in our students and is committed to ensuring that their futures are not defined by their ZIP codes. Together, we are creating the opportunities, relationships, and experiences that help our scholars thrive today and build boundless futures.”

Lawrence Ganim, CEO Emeritus of Ganim Wealth, received the Brad & Barbara Evans Inspire Award, which was accepted on his behalf by his son, Christopher Ganim, CEO of Ganim Wealth. Speaking to the significance of education in breaking cycles of poverty, he told attendees, “If, as I believe, education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, everybody in this room has created a lasting impact for generations to come.”

Horizons SHU extends learning beyond the traditional school day. “Programs like Horizons are a valuable resource and provide extra education outside of schools,” Ganim said. "The students who participate in the program will be better off for it and gain that extra edge they need to lead successful and fulfilling lives.”

The Build Award was presented to the John & Ethel Kashulon Foundation, accepted by its president, Christian Le Bris. He shared the foundation's history of supporting education in the Bridgeport area since its founding in 2017. “Horizon's goals and its excellent work in the city inspired us to help,” Le Bris said. He noted that the organization’s partnership with the University has strengthened the program’s reach. “And today, Horizons can more effectively carry out its mission now that it’s under the wings of Sacred Heart University,” he said. "We're very proud to be part of Horizons’ work and happy to be a year-round program sponsor. We look forward to working together for many years to come.”

Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders (BCYL) received the Connect Award, accepted by John Torres, executive director of BCYL, who thanked attendees for their continued investment in the city’s young people. “Let’s continue working together to empower young people, strengthen our community, and create brighter futures for generations to come,” Torres said.

Madeline Rodriguez, a Horizons SHU parent, offered a firsthand account of what the program’s support has meant for her family. “On behalf of the families of Horizons SHU, I simply want to say thank you,” Rodriguez said. “Thank you for believing in our children, for showing up for them, and for being part of a community that continues to create opportunities for them to learn, grow, and imagine what is possible for the future.”

Rodriguez said the program’s effect reaches far beyond the classroom. “We want to see our children gain confidence, discover new interests, build relationships, and at Horizons we know that there are so many people in their corner who want to see them succeed,” she said. “It means more than you may realize to know that our children are surrounded by a community that believes in their potential. So, from my family and all of the families at Horizons SHU, we thank you for being here tonight and thank you for investing in our children and thank you for continuing to help us grow.”

The gala’s proceeds will directly support Horizons SHU’s year-round programming, helping sustain tuition-free academic enrichment for hundreds of Bridgeport students in the coming year.