THE AURORA FOUNDATION
LUMINARY CELEBRATION.
Luminary Celebration at
The Bushnell Theater
Date:
October 14th, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location:
The Bushnell - Belding Theater
166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT
LUMINARY CELEBRATION | YOUR SUPPORT LIGHTS THE WAY
ABOUT THE EVENT
Join us on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM for the Aurora Luminary Celebration at The Bushnell’s Belding Theater for an evening that will inspire, uplift, and connect.
Together, we’ll celebrate the women and girls whose lives are transformed through your support—and honor the luminaries like YOU who make it all possible.
Questions? Please reach out: luminary@aurorafoundation.org or 860-969-3435.
LUMINARY CELEBRATION
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
We are honored to welcome Connecticut native and the President of the Connecticut Sun of the Women’s National Basketball Association, Jennifer Rizzotti, as our 2026 Keynote Speaker.
Widely regarded as one of the most respected leaders in women’s basketball, her distinguished career spans success as a player, coach, and executive. A member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, she first rose to prominence as the starting point guard at the University of Connecticut, where she helped lead the Huskies to their first NCAA National Championship in 1995 with an undefeated 35–0 season. She went on to sweep nearly every major postseason award in 1996—including Big East Player of the Year, Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Associated Press Player of the Year, the Honda-Broderick Cup, the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, and the Wade Trophy.
Known for her leadership, toughness, and basketball IQ, Rizzotti played five seasons in the WNBA. Rizzotti transitioned seamlessly into coaching, spending 17 seasons as head coach at the University of Hartford, where she won five conference championships, four regular-season titles, and earned America East Coach of the Year honors in 2006, 2007, and 2010. In 2023, she guided the USA Basketball 3x3 Women’s National Team to multiple gold medals—at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup, the Pan American Games, and the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup—earning 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Coach of the Year. She led the U.S. 3x3 Women’s National Team again in 2024 at the Paris Olympic Games, where the team captured a bronze medal, and she was recognized as the 2024 USA Basketball 3x3 Coach of the Year.
Today, as President of the Connecticut Sun, Rizzotti oversees business operations and strategic growth for one of the league’s most competitive and community-focused franchises. Under her leadership, the Sun continue to elevate their impact on and off the court, championing innovation, community engagement, and the advancement of women’s sports.
LUMINARY COMMITTEE
CO-CHAIRS:
Rauchell Beckford-Anderson
Karen Binkhorst
MEMBERS:
Fanayea Dejen-Crooks
Tracey Flynn
Maureen Kennedy
Katherine Killen Hall
Elaine Leshem
Mickey Mattei
Michelle O'Connell
Greta Panke
Carol Pendray
Stephani Roman
Chef Renee Williams
LUMINARY CELEBRATION
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a fundraiser?
Yes! This is our largest and most important annual fundraiser! Proceeds will help to sustain Aurora’s mission to provide improved educational, employment, and leadership opportunities for women and girls in Greater Hartford. The fair market value of one (1) ticket is $75. The rest of your ticket purchase supports Aurora’s mission—and is tax-deductible!
What does my ticket include?
Your ticket includes a fun reception -- featuring an extensive array of heavy hors d’oeuvres from Max Catering, as well as wine, sparkling water, and other non-alcoholic refreshments -- followed by an inspiring program in the Belding Theater spotlighting the incredible participants in our College Success program as well as the luminaries -- like you! -- whose support creates opportunities for women and girls to shine.
Can I sit with my friends/co-workers/group?
Yes! When you register, please include the name of the Luminary Ambassador who invited you; your employer; and/or other information that will help us ensure you’ll be seated with your group.
If I can't attend can I still make a donation?
Absolutely! Simply complete the ticket registration and select the checkbox. You can also mail in a check without processing fees to:
Aurora Women and Girls Foundation
PO Box 370537
West Hartford, CT 06137
LUMINARY CELEBRATION
DIRECTIONS
The Bushnell is located in Downtown Hartford at:
166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut 06106
Use Google Maps to navigate or follow directions:
From the North or South, take I-91 to Exit 29A (Capitol Area). Go halfway around the rotary, and bear right onto Elm Street. Take the first left onto West Street. Turn right onto Capitol Avenue and continue one block to The Bushnell.
From the East, take I-84 West to Exit 50 (Main Street). At the second light, turn left onto Main Street. At the tenth light, turn right onto Capitol Avenue. Continue three blocks to The Bushnell.
From the West, take I-84 East to Exit 48B (Capitol Avenue/Asylum Street). Bear right onto Capitol Avenue. At the light, turn left onto Capitol Avenue. Continue one block to The Bushnell.
