
Real Angels at Christmas | Angels Over Connecticut
Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/real-angels-at-christmas-angels-over-connecticut- Episode Video Link: What happens when a child dreads the question, “What did you get for Christmas?” Tony Franklin remembers hiding the truth that he received nothing. That childhood experience sets the stage for a heartfelt conversation about financial hardship, dignity, and the power of community. Tony and co-host Chris P. Reed welcome Susan Mazer of Charter Oak Cultural Center and Bruce Scotti of Angels Over Connecticut. Together, they explore how an unforgettable Christmas celebration and access to free arts education help Hartford-area children feel seen, valued, and supported. Hear why the holidays can be painful for struggling families, how these experiences support parents and grandparents, and why generosity matters long after the decorations come down. Whether you can give $10, volunteer an afternoon, or share your skills, this episode offers a place to start. ▶︎ In This Episode 0:00 Opening: When children stop looking forward to Christmas 03:00 Meet Susan Mazer and Bruce Scotti 07:00 Creating a Christmas children can look forward to 10:00 Free arts education at Charter Oak Cultural Center 12:00 Tony’s story: The Christmas he received nothing 14:00 Inside the Angels Over Connecticut celebration 17:00 What the experience means to parents and grandparents 23:00 How donations make the celebration possible 25:00 Supporting families in shelters and veterans’ families 28:00 What inspires a life of giving? 31:00 Why arts education should be accessible to every child 33:00 Are children being priced out of opportunity? 36:00 Making generosity a year-round commitment 38:00 Small donations, meaningful impact 42:00 Give your time, start small, help someone 44:00 How to donate, volunteer, and connect 47:00 Tony’s Tidbit: Every child deserves joy and possibility 48:00 LESS: Learn, Empathize, Share, Stop 🔗 Resources GET INVOLVED Angels Over Connecticut: https://www.angelsoverct.org/ Charter Oak Cultural Center: https://charteroakcenter.org/ 🔔 Listen and Subscribe Listen to this episode and subscribe for future updates subscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast on YouTube Podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon Music Other platforms or by searching " TonyTidbit " if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive change subscribe to our newsletter give us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts share an episode with a friend, family member or colleague 🗣️ Follow @ablackexec follow us across social media @aBlackExec LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter TikTok WhatsApp ⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbit follow Tony across social media @TonyTidbit Twitter LinkedIn Facebook This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email podcast@ablackexec.com .



