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 $1.2 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:
• More than 1,000 people received emergency shelter;
• More than 1,500 people avoided homelessness through the shelter diversion programs and rental assistance;
• 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.
Annually, at the Building Foundations event, we honor the memory of the late Jeff Digel for his commitment to the profession and the community with an award in his name. Jeff helped to start Covenant Preparatory School in Hartford and each year, a portion of the proceeds from Building Foundations are donated in his honor.
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.
The 2025 Building Foundations committee is accepting nominations for the 2025 Jeffrey Digel Award. Please contact Maura Cook at mcook@unitedwayinc.org to submit your recommendations.
Past recipients of the Jeffrey Digel Award are Alan Lazowski (2022), Bill Farley (2023) and Martin J. Kenny (2024).
