Well-known area businessman and philanthropist Alan Lazowski has been named as the Honoree at the annual Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters’ “Start Something Big” Gala, being held at the Society Room of Hartford on Saturday, November 3. Lazowski is Chairman and CEO of LAZ Parking, which he founded in 1981 while attending the University of Connecticut. Today, LAZ is the second largest parking and transportation company in the nation. He will be honored with the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Visionary Leader Award at the Gala.

“We are very grateful to Alan for the generosity and commitment he has shown,” said Andy Fleischmann, President and CEO of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. “As the son of Holocaust survivors, Alan has always given assistance to organizations that lessen human suffering, broaden horizons and address the needs of the underrepresented. Through his membership on statewide and national boards – and through his creation of the LAZ Parking Charitable Foundation – Alan Lazowski has leveraged his time, talents and resources to improve the lives of people in need of assistance.”

In addition to remarks from Honoree Alan Lazowski, guests at the “Start Something Big” Gala will enjoy gourmet cuisine, cocktails, surprise entertainment, inspirational moments, an eclectic group of attendees and dancing to the great music programming of DJ Christi Jones. Returning as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies will be WFSB- TV (Channel 3) meteorologist Scot Haney – who has won more “Best Of” competitions that any other broadcast personality in Connecticut.

Another highlight of this year’s “Start Something Big” Gala promises to be the Silent and Live Auctions, presided over by professional auctioneer Paul Stansel. Gala Committee members have been working for months to secure items for both auctions certain to both surprise and thrill eventgoers. For instance, one lucky bidder will go home with two Prime Orchestra Gold seats, Row E, to the sold out Hamilton musical at the Bushnell in downtown Hartford. Another winning bidder will be the very fortunate owner of two airplane tickets to any destination in the continental U.S.

For sponsorship or ticket information on the Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters’ November 3 “Start Something Big” Gala, e-mail Events Manager Jillian Comolli at: jillianc@nbbbs.org. Or, call her toll-free at: 877-675-5190, ext. 141.