FARMINGTON – Simon Etzel, principal and senior vice president of KBE Building Corp., received the Arthur and Gladys Humanitarian Award at the Fall Gala hosted by Jewish Senior Services on Thursday, Oct. 23 in Farmington. The evening was also highlighted by a performance by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Art Garfunkel.

“I am honored that Jewish Senior Services chose me as this year’s recipient,” said Etzel. “Being recognized in this way is truly humbling.”

Etzel, who joined KBE in 1987 and became a principal in 2007 with fellow senior executives Mike Kolakowski and Eric Brown, chairs the Board of Trustees of the Cove Center for Grieving Children and sits on the Advisory Council for Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven. He is also the leader of KBE’s corporate philanthropic program, 50 Ways to Make a Difference.

Established in 2009 to celebrate the firm’s 50th anniversary, as well as its new ownership and name change, 50 Ways has helped KBE associates donate more than $1.2 million and 5,000 volunteer hours to charitable causes benefiting children, seniors, and military veterans in Connecticut and Maryland.

This year’s primary 50 Ways beneficiaries are students from Connecticut’s technical high schools. In June, KBE awarded $17,000 in scholarships to 34 students from each of the state’s active technical high schools.

At KBE, Etzel also oversees procurement services with a special focus on senior living projects.

Located in Fairfield, Jewish Senior Services provides senior care throughout Southern Connecticut, including the second-largest nursing home and rehabilitation center in the state.

PHOTO CAPTION: Simon F. Etzel, Jr., and Andrew H. Banoff, President/CEO, Jewish Senior Services. Photo credit: Regina Madwed of Capitol PhotoInteractive.