Join us for the 5th Annual Building Foundations Breakfast as we come together to raise resources to prevent children and families from becoming homeless and to secure stable housing for those living in shelters.
In early 2021, a diverse group of commercial real estate and building industry professionals, came together to create the Building Foundations Breakfast. The goal was to bring the industry together to prevent and address homelessness in partnership with United Way. Since that time, the event has raised nearly $1.7 million to support programs and services in Greater Hartford.
This is THE event for the commercial real estate and building industry and has grown every year since inception. The event began with 100 attendees for the inaugural breakfast in 2021 and has grown to host more than 400 members of the industry.
The funds raised ensured that:
• 1,270 people were supported to stay in stable housing
• 278 people accessed emergency shelter accommodations
• Information and referral services through United Way 211 continued to be funded; and
• Two (2) students at Covenant Preparatory School in Hartford have their tuition fully paid each year they attend the school
Real estate combined Jeff Digel’s interest in architecture, finance, geography and economic systems. As he built his career, Jeff was drawn to the investment side of the business. He co-founded and served as Executive Vice President for iStar Financial Inc., where he helped build the company’s investment team and originate more than $3 billion in structured finance assets. He went on to Figure Eight Properties where he formed a company that brought personal, concierge-level services to his clients. Jeff was equally committed to philanthropy and community action. He was the co-founder and first chairman of the board of Covenant Preparatory School, an independent, interfaith, tuition-free middle school for boys from under-served families in the Hartford Area. Jeff also served on nonprofit boards for organizations including: Charter Oak Cultural Center, Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity and Achievement First Hartford Academy.
Annually, we will pay tribute to our colleague and friend by presenting the Jeffrey Digel Award to a member of the industry that embodies the characteristics of Jeff’s legacy.
Michael W. Freimuth has been the Executive Director of the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) since its creation in 2012. He oversees CRDA’s entertainment and convention facilities, housing and commercial development programs and regional initiatives. Mr. Freimuth has over 40 years in real estate, finance, banking, and public sector development.
Prior to joining CRDA, he served as Commissioner of Development for the City of New Rochelle, NY. In that position, Freimuth oversaw housing, building, planning, zoning, economic development, transportation and parking as well as special projects.
Freimuth also served as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Stamford, Ct where he negotiated large scale commercial and residential deals, secured project financing and managed the enterprise zone, entertainment district and multiple tax incentive programs. Previously Freimuth served as Director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Bridgeport, CT, was a senior legislative assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington DC and managed a real estate subsidiary of a mutual savings bank headquartered in Connecticut.
Freimuth earned his Bachelors of Art degree in Economics from the University of Connecticut and holds a Master of Public Administration and Public Finance from the George Washington University.
A few of Mr. Freimuth’s awards include the Public Service Award from the Connecticut Secretary of State, a Citation of Outstanding Achievement from the Connecticut General Assembly, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from George Washington University. Mr.
Freimuth was also a Presidential Intern. He has been a part of American teams assisting Eastern European countries establish economic development programs and has frequently been listed among Hartford areas top influencers.
He lives with his family in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Past recipients of the Jeffrey Digel Award are Alan Lazowski (2022), Bill Farley (2023) and Martin J. Kenny (2024).
