A Bristol Family Prioritizes Giving Back 

March 2021 - Bob Alim, Bob Boudreau and Kevin Prior have always made philanthropy a priority, and when they moved to Bristol over 15 years ago, they refocused their efforts to the community they now call home.

Bob, Bob and Kevin, collectively and affectionately known as BBK, began hosting Cocktails@8 in 2007. The entire ticket price of this must-attend event has always been donated to a local nonprofit organization or cause that supports the emerging issues and social needs of the diverse cultures of Bristol residents. An average of over $10,000 is raised and put right back into the community every year.

“Cocktails@8 is about the spirit and energy of community and the people who come together for one night to get behind a cause that will benefit those among us who need it the most,” said Kevin Prior.

As the event and their goals grew, BBK decided to establish a donor advised fund at Main Street Community Foundation in 2016. Donor advised funds at MSCF allow the donor(s) to actively participate in grantmaking by recommending charitable organizations to receive grants. “We established the Broad View Fund to leave a permanent legacy in our community of Bristol, and to encourage others to follow suit,” said Bob Boudreau.

After the Fund was established, BBK worked closely with the program staff at MSCF to determine how the dollars raised could provide the most benefit to Bristol residents.

“Partnering with donor advised funds at the Foundation to award innovative grants like those from The Broad View Fund are a striking example of the collective power of philanthropy,” stated Susan Sadecki, President & CEO of MSCF.

In 2020, BBK decided to continue the tradition and host Cocktails@8, albeit virtually. The proceeds from the event would not benefit just one organization, but an entire sector.

“Bristol is filled with arts and culture organizations that help the city thrive and greatly enhance the quality of life,” stated Bob Boudreau. “Unfortunately, those organizations have been hit particularly hard during the COVID-19 pandemic and we recognized that there are certain challenges they face during the response and recovery periods.”

A total of $12,800 was awarded to eight arts and culture organizations; each nonprofit received a $1,600 grant. These grants provided a game-changing initiative or service to help them combat the effects of the pandemic such as video production, virtual programming, fundraising and marketing.

“These organizations are part of the fabric of our community here in Bristol,” said Kevin Prior. “Seeing everyone come together to support each other makes our hearts so full.”

The 15th annual Cocktails@8 event is scheduled for October 16, 2021. Proceeds from the event will once again fund a game-changing initiative in Bristol.