Hartford, Conn. (Oct. 23, 2025) – United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and FOX61 honored individuals, organizations and companies who are making a significant contribution to health care, housing, financial empowerment and education in Connecticut at the 3rd Annual ImpaCT Awards ceremony celebrated at Hartford Marriott Downtown. During the event, Barbara Dalio, Connecticut-based philanthropist and Founder and CEO of Dalio Education, received the 2025 George Bahamonde Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest recognition given at the ImpaCT Awards.   

The categories and award recipients are as follows:   

George Bahamonde Lifetime Achievement Award: An individual who has dedicated their life to service with the goal of making futures brighter for generations to come. The award is named in honor of the late George Bahamonde, who served as the President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut for 12 years and was passionate about educational outcomes and opportunities for local children.   

Barbara Dalio, Founder and CEO of Dalio Education.    

Unsung Hero Award: A person giving their all to their community in quiet and often thankless ways who may not be known outside of their community.   

Samantha Merwin, ElbowbumpKid Inc. 

Impactful Woman Award: A female leader whose mission is to help and empower other women, a true mentor and has dynamic energy and drive.   

Patricia E. Kelly, Ebony Horsewomen. 

Impactful Emerging Leader Award: An up-and-coming changemaker on the fast track to leadership with a proven record of giving back.   

Kristina Walton, Seymour Oxford Food Bank. 

Impactful Educator: A teacher, professor, coach or tutor who has dedicated themselves to molding young minds.  

Dr. Robert Polselli, Jr., Killingly High School.   

Impactful Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award: This award is given to an individual or a company that has a demonstrated track record of helping or working with minority communities here in Connecticut.   

Horizons at Westminster.  

Community Organization Making an Impact Award: A grassroots community group that goes above and beyond to improve their surroundings and help others.   

Malta House of Care, Greater Hartford.   

Small Business Making an Impact: A small business that makes giving back to Connecticut part of its culture. This small business, with fewer than 100 employees, is innovative and helps create a better Connecticut.  

Bob’s Jerky for A Cause.   

Company Making an Impact Award: A company that makes giving back to Connecticut part of its culture that invests resources into volunteerism and philanthropy, creating a place to work that allows employees a chance to do good along the way.   

Bank of America.    

“The ImpaCT Award highlight changemakers throughout our community and offers FOX61 and United Way an opportunity to recognize the kindness and goodness within our state. The shared values between every winner, finalist and nominee are worthy of recognition and emulation,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “As our organization works to end poverty in the 860 region, it was particularly meaningful to take time to celebrate people and groups who are making a positive difference; especially Barbara Dalio, whose dedication, career, and impact was deservedly recognized tonight.”   

More than 200 nominations were received between individuals, groups and companies for the 2025 ImpaCT Awards – the highest number received to date. An impartial panel of judges comprised of FOX61 and United Way staff and volunteers narrowed the nominations down to three finalists per category in August. The judges reconvened in September to determine the winners.   

“FOX61 is proud to partner with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut on the ImpaCT Awards,” shared Chris Topf, President and General Manager, FOX61. “The finalists and winners in each category are keeping people at the center of everything they do. We were honored to meet them and showcase their commitment and the values that guide their work.”    

The 3rd Annual ImpaCT Awards raised awareness and funds for United Way-supported initiatives that help end poverty by closing gaps in child literacy, wages, housing and life expectancy. Event sponsors include: Dalio Education as Diamond Presenting Sponsor; Chase Enterprises as Platinum Sponsor; HSB as Gold Sponsor; American Eagle Financial Credit Union, Bob’s Jerky for a Cause, Hoffman Auto, Mintz+Hoke, University of Saint Joseph and Westminster School as Silver Sponsors; CT Airport Authority (CAA) as Photo Booth Sponsor; and, Central Connecticut State University, Cornerstone Counseling CT and Interval House as Friends of the Impact Awards.   

The awards ceremony took place Oct. 22, 2025 at Hartford Marriott Downtown and will air as a special one-hour broadcast Nov. 6, 2025, on FOX61 WTIC-TV and stream on FOX61+.