Benefiting
Franciscan Life Center
and
Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care
Honoring excellence, dedication and a lively spirit of generosity
Honorees 2026
Saint Francis Award
Emeka Okafor
Former NBA and UConn Basketball Player
Saint Clare Award
Ilana Nunn Okafor
Former Sports Public Relations Specialist
Dean of Sports Award
Chris LaPlaca
Former Head of Corporate Communications
ESPN
Mother Shaun Appreciation Award
Anthony and Cynthia Petrello
Long-time Title Sponsors of
Franciscan Sports Banquet
Dedication to Community Service Award
Coach Jim and Pat Calhoun
for their commitment to service
Distinguished Athletes
Special Olympics
Connecticut
Honorary Co-Chairs
Ray Peach
Bob Fiondella
Committee Members
Al Proto
Dan Gooley
Mike O’Brien
Tom Lyons
Jay Festa
Seb Senia
Tom Laffin
Emcees
Rich Coppola
Joe D’Ambrosio
