The following was compiled from a press release.
Voices of Hope, the CT-based Holocaust education and remembrance organization, has announced it will present its L’Dor V’Dor Advocacy Award to Antoinette “Toni” Boucher, Wilton’s First Selectman at its annual fundraising evening gala.
The community is invited to the 2025 Evening of Hope event on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in West Hartford (location provided upon registration). This annual event celebrates the strength of unity and the importance of ensuring that history’s lessons continue to inspire action today.
In a press release, the Voices of Hope said about Boucher: “Born in Italy, Boucher immigrated to the United States at age five and became the first in her family to graduate high school and college, and pursue graduate education. She went on to dedicate more than two decades to public service in the CT State Senate and House of Representatives, where she served as chair of the Education Committee. Boucher was a tireless advocate for Holocaust and genocide education, helping to pass Senate Bill 452 in 2018, which requires Holocaust and genocide education in all Connecticut schools.”
Boucher has been Wilton’s First Selectman since December 2023.
The press release also states that, “Beyond her public service, [Boucher] has been a leader in Connecticut’s business and nonprofit communities. She is a former member of the Voices of Hope Board of Directors, a founding member of UCONN’s Nonprofit Leadership Development Institute, a recognized child advocate, and the recipient of numerous awards. Boucher is also an author, with her memoir Stone Doll soon to be released.
“Toni Boucher has dedicated her life to service, and her commitment to Holocaust and genocide education is already shaping thousands of young people across Connecticut. She reminds us that education is not only about knowledge but about preparing compassionate, courageous citizens who will never stand by in the face of injustice.”
The Evening of Hope is Voices of Hope’s signature annual fundraiser. Founded by the children of Connecticut Holocaust survivors, Voices of Hope carries forward their parents’ legacy by providing commemorative events, speakers, exhibits, descendant training and educational programs that empower communities to confront hate. Since 2018, its HERO (Holocaust Education Resource and Outreach) Program has reached more than 36,000 students and educators through survivor and descendant testimony, teacher training, immersive classroom experiences, films, and international study opportunities.
The evening will begin with a pre-reception and conclude with a dessert reception. Guests will gather not only to celebrate Boucher’s achievements, but also to support Voices of Hope’s mission of promoting a culture of courage to stand up against hatred through Holocaust and genocide education and remembrance.
For tickets and registration, visit the event website.
For more information, or to request a special student/educator rate, contact Jaime Seltzer via email.