FUNDS

Transferred to Main Street Community Foundation in 2021, this fund promotes the appreciation of community history for the educational benefit of the general public. Annual distributions will be made to the City of Bristol Cemetery Commission for the maintenance, repair and restoration of monuments, headstones, and grave markers of historical or architectural significance to the community of Bristol, Connecticut, specifically monuments located in the North Burial Ground in Bristol and the East Burial Ground in Plymouth, CT.

Established by local orthopedic surgeon Scott Organ in 2000 to support student-athletes from single parent families who wish to pursue post-secondary education.

Established in 2007 by the Landry family to honor the memory of Sean Landry, who died in a tragic automobile accident. This scholarship fund will benefit current and past graduates of Terryville High School (THS) who were members of the THS basketball team and exemplify what it means to be a team player and a part of the Terryville community.

Sergeant Alex Hamzy was an eight-year veteran of the Bristol Police Department who was killed in the line of duty on October 12, 2022. At just 34 years old, Alex lived a life of accomplishments that was more like a person who was decades older. He always wanted to be a police officer and served his hometown of Bristol with dedication, conviction and integrity. He was a longtime advisor for the Bristol Police Explorer Cadet Program and passionate about teaching young adults the values needed to succeed in serving their community.

Established in 2013, this fund honors the memory of Sid Bernard, a visual arts teacher who taught in the Bristol Public Schools for 25 years. The fund provides grants to nonprofit, nonreligious organizations that offer visual arts education programs for students from the Foundation's service area. Offering opportunities to primary and middle school age students, the donor’s wish is to support programs and projects that teach innovative or traditional art education skills to students.

This permanent designated fund was established by Sky Bight Foundation in 2011 to support ongoing maintenance of the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol. The Club serves youth ages 6-18 with programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and citizenship. 

Created in December 2004 by longtime Bristol residents and community volunteers Ed and Mary Smith to support a variety of charitable causes.

The Southington Arts Council retired its operations in 2018 and established this fund as a legacy to the community of Southington. During its 36 years of operation, the Southington Arts Council worked diligently to build community awareness for and participation in the cultural opportunities in Southington. The Southington Arts Council was founded in 1982 by Carole S. Milano in order to make the cultural arts accessible to the residents of Southington.

This scholarship was established in 2005 by the management of this area newspaper to give annual awards to Southington residents who wish to pursue post-secondary education.

This fund was established in 2009 by St. Andrew Evangelical Lutheran Church to provide ongoing support for the Bristol church.

In memory of Stanley P. Bitel, the founder of Rowley Spring and Stamping Corporation in Bristol, CT, this scholarship fund was established in 2015 by his family and friends. Stan personified entrepreneurial spirit, continual learning and self-achievement, and this fund is created for students who embody these characteristics. A scholarship will be awarded annually to a resident of Connecticut who is a graduating high school senior or adult learner seeking qualifying skilled training in the manufacturing trade.

This fund was established in 2015 to honor the request of Peter Saman, who passed away on November 21, 2012, to establish a fund in honor of his paternal grandparents, Stephen and Katherine Saman. This fund will support a variety of charitable organizations with preference for historical preservation including preservation of older buildings.

Michael Suchopar joined the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol (BBGC) as its Chief Professional Officer in 2007. During his fourteen-year tenure, he elevated the organization through the creation of many new programs and a new club facility, which ultimately earned BBGC national recognition. This fund was established by friends and family to honor Michael and his wife Mary in celebration of his retirement in 2021. Grants will be awarded from this fund, at the recommendation of the donors, to benefit BBGC.

This scholarship Fund was established in 2022 by lifelong Plymouth resident John Swicklas to honor his family while continuing his love of teaching. John is a former Plymouth Public Schools teacher, having taught sixth grade at the former Harry S. Fisher Middle School and retiring in 2001. He also coached basketball and baseball. This scholarship will give Plymouth residents the opportunity to pursue a career in the field of education.

This fund was established by the family and friends of Sylvia Bodak with assistance from the Women’s Cancer Care Foundation in 2001. The fund was set up to honor the life of this courageous woman by supporting students who are pursuing a career in cancer research, oncology or a related field.

Created in 2005 by former Bristol residents Bill and Jean Johnson to support projects which will enhance the quality and reputation of technical education in the greater Bristol Community and support students who wish to pursue a career in a technical field.

This fund was established in 2004 to honor the families of former Bristol residents and business owners Fred and Carol Tedesco by providing unrestricted funds to meet the changing needs of the Bristol community over time.

Established in 2007 by family, friends and employees to honor Terry Fletcher on the occasion of his 50th anniversary with The Fletcher-Terry Company which was founded in 1868. Annual distributions will support worthy charitable endeavors in the Foundation’s service area.

Established in 2016 by Bristol residents, Bob Alim, Bob Boudreau and Kevin Prior, collectively known as BBK, this advised fund will support charitable organizations at the recommendation of the donors. Of importance to the donors are opportunities to support emerging issues and social needs of the diverse cultures of Bristol residents.

Proceeds from BBK’s annual gathering Cocktails @ Eight, will be donated to the Fund and granted annually to benefit local initiatives in Bristol.

This scholarship fund was established to honor the memory of Craig Yarde, the co-founder of Yarde Metals, Inc., which started in Bristol, Connecticut in 1976. He was a well-known community leader who championed hard work and philanthropic efforts throughout the Bristol community.

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