Building Foundations

May 4, 2023

Join us for the 3rd 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.

This is the signature event of the year for the commercial real estate and building industry and you don’t want to miss it!

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Building Foundations

In early 2021, a diverse group of commercial real estate and building industry professionals, in partnership with the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, came together to raise more than $300,000 in much needed funds to help prevent homelessness in the greater Hartford community. The success of this inaugural event, known as the Building Foundations Breakfast, was due to the incredible generosity of more than 70 sponsors and many other donors who supported this critical fundraising event.

In April 2022 at the 2nd Annual Building Foundations Breakfast, the industry came together again for the cause, raising $420,000 collectively.

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.

Congratulations to our 2022 Jeffrey Digel Award Recipient, Alan Lazowski, LAZ Chairman, CEO and Founder.

REMEMBERING JEFFREY DIGEL

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.