Last Christmas morning, Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.) in Connecticut was featured on the “Today Show” during a holiday segment of “Jenna & Friends'” hosted by Jenna Bush Hager and co-hosted by Henry Hager, a longtime friend and supporter of the organization. The segment marked S.E.L.F.’s national television debut, shining a national spotlight on the organization’s mission to provide legal advocacy and educational access for students with learning differences.
S.E.L.F. extended its deepest thanks to Jenna, Henry and the entire Today Show team for the extraordinary opportunity. Special appreciation was also extended to S.E.L.F. staff attorneys Laura Sullivan, Brittany Diggs and their wonderful girls and to longtime partners Wealthspire Advisors and Winston Preparatory School for helping orchestrate what became a truly unforgettable moment – described as a Christmas miracle – for Henry and for S.E.L.F.
In a heartfelt tribute to John H. Hager, former lieutenant governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, devoted advocate for disability rights and beloved father of Henry Hager, Wealthspire Advisors and Winston Preparatory School each made a $10,000 donation to the Special Education Legal Fund in his honor. These gifts were made to the John H. Hager Memorial Fund, furthering S.E.L.F.’s work to ensure families have access to critical legal advocacy and educational resources.
“We are deeply grateful to our friends at Wealthspire, particularly Mike LaMena, Michael Delgass and Chris Izmirlian, as well as to our partners at Winston Preparatory School, especially Scott Bezsylko and Beth Sugerman,” said Christine Lai, executive director of the Special Education Legal Fund. “Their generosity honors John H. Hager’s legacy in the most meaningful way – by expanding opportunity, advocacy and hope for students and families nationwide, and by demonstrating unwavering leadership in support of S.E.L.F.’s mission.”
“Access to quality education should never depend on circumstance,” said Michael Delgass, managing director, Wealthspire Advisors. “Wealthspire is proud to support the Special Education Legal Fund and the vital advocacy it provides to families when they need it most.”
