Annual Merrill Fontaine
Awards Dinner
Every year we gather to celebrate the power of community and the life-changing impact of our mission. The Merrill Fontaine Annual Awards Dinner is a night dedicated to honoring our history, celebrating the possibility of change, and recognizing the vital support that enables our work as a homeless shelter.
The evening serves as a tribute to our legacy, named in honor of our founders, Father Merrill of St. James Episcopal Church and Father Fontaine of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church. Their vision of a compassionate, proactive community remains the heartbeat of our organization today. Beyond the awards, this night is an opportunity to share the massive impact your support has made over the past year. We are excited to introduce several new initiatives and celebrate the transformations that your generosity makes possible. We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate our work, our partners, and the bright future of our community.
Thursday, May 6, 2027 at Port N’ Starboard in New London
Stay tuned for details about when tickets go on sale.
Please email CEO Kat Hannah at khannah@covenantshelternl.org for sponsorship opportunities.
Past Events
Below, you can find information from some past events that we’ve hosted.
Boots on the Ground Resource Fair - October 2025
This even was unfortunately postponed due to weather and has not been rescheduled at this current time. Please keep an eye on upcoming events for any updates.
This was a community event planned by Covenant Shelter of New London, Step Up New London, & State Representative Anthony Nolan
Covenant Shelter's Annual Fundraiser & Merrill Fontaine Awards Dinner - May 2025
As the only family shelter in southeastern Connecticut, with open arms to both families and single males, Covenant Shelter is there for those facing homelessness in our community. But we can't do it alone.
This year's event was more than just a fundraiser; it was a chance to connect with compassionate individuals like yourself who share a passion for helping others. Guests had the opportunity to network and be inspired by our guest speaker, Donald Whitehead, from the National Coalition for the Homeless. His insights shed light on the realities of homelessness in America. We also honored Father Mark O'Donnell and Representative Anthony Nolan, two remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to our community. However- the most important part of the evening was you. Your presence isn't just about attending a dinner; it's about joining a movement and creating meaningful change. Those who joined directly supported our mission to provide essential services and a safe place for those experiencing homelessness. Together, we can create a future where everyone has a place to call home. Your generosity makes a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Covenant Shelter's Annual Fundraiser & Merrill Fontaine Awards Dinner - May 2026
In 2026, we were proud to recognize two extraordinary leaders who redefine what it means to lead with both heart and strategy. We honor Tricia Cunningham, Executive Director at Always Home, whose 'outside-the-box' approach to preventing homelessness has transformed system-wide expertise into tangible community results. Alongside her, we celebrate Cathy Zall, Executive Director of the New London Homeless Hospitality Center—a visionary leader known for making the impossible happen through passionate advocacy and bold action. Both Tricia and Cathy are more than executives; they are dedicated mentors and fierce advocates who prioritize the dignity of those they serve while inspiring everyone they work with to reach higher.