VALENTINE’S DAY GALA BENEFITS FOUNDATION

More than 300 people recently attended the 15th annual St. Valentine’s Day Ball organized by Lea’s Foundation for Leukemia Research Inc. The evening included silent and live auctions, live music and dinner prepared by Marriott Hartford Downtown’s culinary team. The event raised more than $250,000 for the foundation. Pictured, from left, are: Ray Benoit, director of catering and event management, Marriott Hartford Downtown; David Archilla, vice chairman of the board; Michael and Bess Ecomonos, founders of the Lea’s Foundation; Jaime Trajcevski, co-chairman of the Valentine’s Day Ball; and Stephanie Simmons, senior catering sales manager, Marriott Hartford Downtown.