2025 Connected Visionary Awards: “Not a School Night” Celebration Friday, September 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Beeches Manor in Rome, NY.
Rome, NY – 8/26/2025 – The Connected Initiative is proud to extend a special invitation to the 2025 Connected Visionary Awards “Not a School Night” Celebration. This year’s event will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Beeches Manor in Rome, NY.
It’s not just an awards ceremony—it’s about honoring of vision, passion, and impact. The Connected Visionary Awards “Not a School Night” Celebration will bring together changemakers, leaders, and visionaries to honor those shaping a brighter future for our youth.
The event promises bold moments, big energy, and zero homework—because it’s “Not a School Night”! Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with recognition, connection, and high-energy celebration.
This special gathering honors individuals and organizations whose dedication has transformed lives and strengthened families. In 2025, we are especially excited to present the inaugural Connected Visionary Award to Colleen Fahy Box, celebrating her extraordinary leadership and decades of service. Beginning in 2026, this award will be renamed in her honor—the Colleen Fahy Box Connected Visionary Award.
What Attendees Can Expect:
- Dinner – A delicious, full-course meal
- One drink ticket – Cheers to a great night!
- Giveaways – Fun surprises throughout the night
- Live entertainment – Featuring Our DJ Rocks, keeping the energy high with nonstop beats
- 360° Photo Booth Experience – Capture the night in style from every angle
- Silent Auction – Bid on exciting items and experiences
Honoring This Year’s Visionary Award Recipients
The 2025 Connected Visionary Awards proudly recognize the following leaders and organizations:
- Colleen Fahy-Box – Inaugural Connected Visionary Award
- Jason Mitchell – Ryan Nutting Connected Luminary Award
- Jessica Lattimore – Connected Author Award
- Cornell Cooperative Extension – Connected Classroom Award
- Karen Belcher, CEO, Food Bank of Central New York – Connected Impact Award
- Anne Lansing, CEO, Safe Schools Mohawk Valley – Connected Partnership Award
- Julia Thet – Connected Student Ambassador Award
These honorees represent the heart of our Connected community—leaders, educators, innovators, and students making lasting change for generations to come.
The celebration will be powered by Our DJ Rocks, bringing unmatched energy and a crowd-pumping playlist that keeps the dance floor alive. Guests can also step into the 360° Photo Booth for a fun, immersive experience to capture memories that last long after the music fades.
“The Connected Visionary Awards are about more than recognition—they’re about celebrating the people and organizations who are truly transforming lives,” said Melissa Roys, Executive Director of Connected. “This event is our chance to say thank you, highlight their impact, and bring the community together for an unforgettable night.”
Event Information
📅 Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Beeches Manor, Rome, NY
🎟️ Tickets: https://forms.gle/r2eDtRwAgpDj72EfA
Your ticket is more than admission—it’s your pass to a night filled with heart, hype, and celebration. Come hungry, come ready to dance, and come ready to celebrate our change-makers in style.
