The 224 Experience

The224 Experience – A Night to Remember is a celebration of Hartford's creative and entrepreneurial spirit. This event offers an opportunity to connect with influential leaders, innovative entrepreneurs, and talented artists shaping the future of our city. Attendees will enjoy inspiring performances, network with like-minded professionals, and celebrate the success of The224 EcoSpace. Your presence is more than attendance—it's an investment in the community’s future.

This event will serve to:

• Bring together our community to celebrate the new growth and success of The224 EcoSpace and the launch of its new business plan.
• Introduce new friends to resources available to emerging businesses and creative ventures including space and accelerator services.
• Showcase demonstrations and performances by The224 EcoSpace partners including Ballet Hartford, Dejave Dance, & CT Aerial Yoga.
• Honor two pillars of the Hartford community who embody the organizational principles of entrepreneurship and the arts

Soulpreneur Award Recipient: Sanford Cloud

Hartford native Sanford (Sandy) Cloud has spent his career breaking barriers in order to give back to the community that nurtured him. Attorney Cloud served as the first African American Associate at Robinson & Cole, served two terms in the Connecticut State Senate and served in leadership roles at Aetna and the Aetna Foundation where he invested in Hartford neighborhoods and especially their art and cultural institutions and then as the first African American President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Conference for Community Justice (NCCJ).

Sandy Cloud played an instrumental role in the development of the 224 EcoSpace. Sandy Cloud’s mentorship was instrumental in our journey to transform The224 EcoSpace. With his guidance, we learned to effectively leverage state bonding dollars, ensuring we secured the necessary funding for our vision. Sandy walked us through the intricacies of the bidding process for our roofing projects, empowering us to make informed decisions and execute our plans with confidence. His expertise not only helped us navigate the complexities of working with the building trades but also inspired our commitment to creating a sustainable and innovative community space.

Soul-artist Award Recipient: Ed Johnetta Miller

Ed Johnetta Miller is an internationally known quilt/fiber artist and arts educator who has had an immeasurable impact through her work in the Hartford community. The Sunday New York Times featured Ed Johnetta in the Best of the Best series. Again in 2020, one of her quilts, around Black Lives Matter, was featured in the New Times, Best of the Best series. She has received many awards for her role as an artist, community leader, including Connecticut’s most prestigious artistic award, The Governor’s Award. Her quilts can be found in numerous important museums and private collections such as the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Museum of Art, Washington DC, The Contemporary Quilt Museum, Golden Colorado, The Wadsworth Museum of Art, Hartford CT, Nelson’s Mandela’s National Museum, Cape Town, South Africa, Safeco Corporation, Johnson & Johnson Corporation, Hartford Hospital, Michigan State University, Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, US Embassy in Cotonou, Benin, West Africa. Last and not lease The224 EcoSpace was blessed to have her quilts on display where she gave an artist talk and a very well attended quilting class,

Supporting The 224 Experience – A Night to Remember is more than just sponsoring an event; it's an investment in the future of Hartford’s creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The 224 EcoSpace is a hub where innovation thrives, where entrepreneurs, creatives, small businesses, and artists come together to collaborate, perform, network, and grow. By sponsoring this event, your organization demonstrates a commitment to fostering community, supporting local talent, and driving economic development.

Presenting Sponsor ($10,000)

• Community Leadership: Your organization will be recognized as a key supporter of Hartford's entrepreneurial and creative communities.
• Visibility: Company logo prominently featured on the event invitation, marketing materials, and event signage.
• Engagement: Complimentary tickets for ten at the event.
• Presence: Exclusive company table display at the event, offering a chance to connect with a diverse audience of creatives, business leaders, and community members.
• Promotion: Full-page ad in the event program, inclusion in press releases, and all marketing promotions highlighting your organization's commitment to community impact.
• Recognition: Special acknowledgment during the event as a cornerstone supporter of The224's mission.

Soul Sponsor ($5,000)

• Community Impact: Align your brand with the positive change The224 is driving in Hartford.
• Visibility: Company logo on event invitation, marketing materials, and event signage.
• Engagement: Complimentary tickets for eight, providing ample networking opportunities.
• Promotion: Full-page ad in the event program and inclusion in press releases and marketing promotions.
• Recognition: Special acknowledgment during the event, emphasizing your role in supporting local entrepreneurs and creatives.

Accelerator Sponsor ($2,500)

• Support Local Growth: Help foster the development of Hartford’s small businesses and creative ventures.
• Visibility: Company logo on event invitation and marketing materials.
• Engagement: Complimentary tickets for six, ideal for networking with community leaders and innovators.
• Promotion: Half-page ad in the event program and inclusion in press releases and marketing promotions.
• Recognition: Special acknowledgment during the event, highlighting your contribution to accelerating local innovation.

Disruptor Sponsor ($1,000)

• Champion Innovation: Support the creative disruptors who are shaping Hartford's future.
• Visibility: Company logo on event invitation and marketing materials.
• Engagement: Complimentary tickets for four, allowing for intimate networking opportunities.
• Promotion: Quarter-page ad in the event program and inclusion in press releases and marketing promotions.

Believer Sponsor ($500)

• Believe in Potential: Help sustain The224 EcoSpace as a vital resource for Hartford’s creatives and entrepreneurs.
• Visibility: Company logo on event invitation and marketing materials.
• Engagement: Complimentary tickets for two, perfect for connecting with community members and local leaders.
• Promotion: Quarter-page ad in the event program.

General Attendees $100 per ticket

Community Support: Your contribution, no matter the size, directly supports The224 EcoSpace's mission.

• Recognition: Your name will be included in the event program, honoring your support for Hartford’s creative and entrepreneurial community.

By sponsoring The224 Experience – A Night to Remember, you’re not just supporting an event—you’re investing in the growth and vitality of Hartford’s creative and entrepreneurial landscape. Your sponsorship will help The224 EcoSpace continue to provide the resources, spaces, and opportunities that empower individuals and organizations to thrive. Join us in making a lasting impact on our community.

The Conference of Churches is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, EIN 06-0693695.

All contribution made are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Host or Publisher The 224EcoSpace