Building Neighborhoods Together Hosts 2025 Annual Benefit Gala: A Night of Impact, Inspiration, and Community

Monroe, CT, November 6, 2025. Building Neighborhoods Together hosted its Annual Benefit Gala last night at The Waterview in Monroe, bringing together 300 community leaders, partners, and supporters for an evening of celebration and purpose.

Guests arrived for a cocktail hour with live music and conversation, then headed upstairs to begin the program.

BNT’s CEO, Doris Latorre, opened the event with a warm welcome, thanking supporters and restating the mission to expand access to affordable housing, provide financial literacy programs, and empower families across Connecticut.

The program was hosted by Terry Floyd, who announced this year’s Community Impact Award, Housing Leadership Award, and Board Service Award honorees:
• Mendi Blue Paca, President and CEO of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation
• Jim Horan, Executive Director of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation
• Charles Breland Jr., retired, former Special Projects Director, Department of Facilities, University of Bridgeport

This was followed by heartfelt testimonials from our client speakers: Jenita Hayes and Marnie DuPree-Nelson.

During the Gala, guests were treated to a special viewing of BNT’s Strategic Video, which showcased the organization’s ongoing efforts, community partnerships, and future goals in addressing Connecticut’s housing challenges.

Guests enjoyed a seated dinner, a cocktail reception, a silent auction, and two raffle drawings for in-state getaways.

A highlight of the night was the fundraising segment to support the construction of an affordable home. Terry Floyd and BNT’s head of fund development, Charlie Griggs, led both the paddle raise and the paddle drop. The symbolic “brick house” invited guests to buy a brick and help build a roof — a simple and powerful visual of collective impact.

“Thank you to our more than 300 guests, our sponsors, the event committee, our volunteers, and our staff, and a special thanks to Charlie,” said Doris Latorre, BNT’s CEO. “Many guests told me it was the best gala they have attended in recent memory. Your support helped us raise just over $145,000, including $20,000 during the fireside appeal, about 20 percent higher than last year. Together, we are expanding affordable housing and providing financial and housing education and counseling across Connecticut.”

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Building Neighborhoods Together extends heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors for making this event possible:
Elizabeth & Joseph Massoud Family Foundation, Newtown Savings Bank, JPMorgan Chase, Santander, Bankwell, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Ives Bank, M&T Bank, TD Bank, Webster Bank, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, Fairfield County Bank, First County Bank, Habitat for Humanity, KeyBank, and New American Funding.

Your generosity continues to drive BNT’s mission of creating affordable housing opportunities and building financial stability for families across Connecticut.

By the end of the night, the ballroom was filled with gratitude, hope, and a shared commitment to BNT’s vision of housing for all. The event celebrated BNT’s progress and underscored the ongoing need for collaboration to address Connecticut’s housing challenges.

Looking ahead, BNT is excited to announce that next year’s Annual Benefit Gala will once again be held at The Waterview in Monroe on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The evening will feature live music by one of the area’s best bands. Guests can look forward to a true gala with dancing and are encouraged to bring a dance partner.

Social Media Highlights

Fabian Durango’s Post
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority’s Post
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s Post
Instagram Reel
Herminio Planas’ LinkedIn post