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.
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.
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.
Farley, who grew up in industrial Brockton, MA, arrived in Hartford in 1958 for a job offer from Connecticut General. After multiple leadership positions in the real estate industry, Bill then joined the College of Holy Cross at Worcester by invitation from its President to be part of its development team. Farley ultimately returned to Hartford with his family to start his own company. The Farley Company founded in 1968 grew and became the largest commercial real estate firm in the state with more than 50 employees. The firm was always a leader in community involvement.
Along with his successful professional career, Farley’s philanthropic spirit has always been at his core. Participating actively on many boards and accomplishing countless efforts for the community, his most recent and impactful achievement around the issue of homelessness is founding the nonprofit Journey Home. After being asked by the Mayor of Hartford to Chair a Commission to End Chronic Homelessness in the Greater Hartford Region, Farley helped increase its membership from 16 to nearly 140 members, the commission presented their recommendations resulting in the inception of Journey Home. Today, Journey Home celebrates its 16th year of service.
Axela Management
Consoli Bortolan Law Group
Crosskey Architects, LLC
CT CCIM
Express Kitchens
GeoQuest, Inc.
Hillwood Investment Properties
Hinckley Allen
Jacobs Real Estate Advisors
MacDermid, Reynolds & Glissman
Marsh Surety
The Martin Architectural Group, P.C
Monarca Masonry, Inc.
NBT Bank
ORMS
Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.
PES Structural Engineers
RM Bradley Management Corporation
Rogin Nassau
Sams Food Store
Shelbourne CT, LLC
SIOR
Solli Engineering
Tecton Architects
United Property Restoration Services
United Steel, Inc.
Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, PC
West Hartford Lock
