WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Twenty-two University of Saint Joseph athletes volunteered Sat. Oct. 27 at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Storybook Gala at the Connecticut Convention Center.

The annual event raises money for and celebrates the hundreds of thousands of children and families who are cared for each year at Connecticut Children's Medical Center. This year’s event drew over 700 attendees. Student-athletes assisted with the silent auction, live auction, and raffle sales and were instrumental in helping raise funds for the medical center.

Renowned author, Carl Hiaasen, was the featured guest. WFSB-Channel 3 news anchors Kara Sundlun and Dennis House served as emcees for the event which also included a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing.

The following 22 USJ athletes participated: Mallory Briggs (tennis), Terese Cerins (basketball), Danielle Circosta (softball), Lindsey Dionne (basketball), Stephanie DeJesus (basketball), Brianna Ferraro (basketball), Lindsay Feducia (basketball), Heather Framski (basketball), Ashley Figueroa (cross country/lacrosse), Mary Hyde (basketball), Erika Leitao (lacrosse), Sarah Miller (softball), Samantha Nichols (swimming), Anne Pitoniak (cross country/lacrosse), Julie Ann Robinson (tennis), Shauna Sullivan (basketball/softball), Serena Sundara (tennis), Irisabel Soto (lacrosse), Kaci Seibert (basketball), Bridget Saur (cross country/lacrosse), Dalena Tran (tennis), Kat Zeugner (lacrosse).

*Release courtesy of USJ Sports Information Dept.