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.
FUNDS
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.
Phyllis A. Corsetti was a former Bristol resident who moved to Terryville in 1967 and made it her home. Phyllis was a longtime teacher for the Bristol Public Schools. She was a communicant of Lourdes Shrine, Litchfield and was a member of the Terryville Lions Club. Transferred to Main Street Community Foundation in 2025, this fund was originally established by bequest when Phyllis passed away in 2013 to provide annual funding for the sole purpose of benefitting the children of Plymouth at the discretion of the Terryville Public Library Board of Trustees.
Transferred to Main Street Community Foundation in 2025, this fund was established to provide annual funding in support of capital improvements and programs to benefit patrons of the Terryville Public Library (TPL) as approved by the Terryville Public Library Board of Trustees.
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.
Anthony and Judie Lodovico of Bristol established this fund in 2009 to honor the memories of Mike and Kate Formagioni, Carl and Laura Formagioni, and Carmen “Nucci” and Jennie Lodovico. Grants are awarded from this unrestricted fund to meet the changing needs of the Bristol community.
Established at the Main Street Community Foundation in 2000 to support the work of local 501(c)(3) organizations in the Greater Bristol area.
This fund was established by the Werner family in 2000 to provide immediate assistance for basic needs and opportunities for inclusion to families with children facing financial hardship.
This fund was established in 2005 by the family and friends of former Southington resident Thérèse MacCallum to honor her wish to support well-rounded Southington High School seniors who would like to pursue post-secondary education.
Established in 2011 by Tim and Mary Walsh to support a variety of charitable organizations for general charitable purposes primarily in the communities served by the Main Street Community Foundation.
Established by area philanthropist and businessman Tom Barnes and his wife Melanie in June 2004 to support a variety of charitable causes, primarily in the Main Street service area.
Tricia Louise O’Connor was a bright light, someone who touched the lives of many with her adventurous spirit and kindness. She made the world beautiful for so many and inspired them through her art, love of travel, friendship and creativity. This donor advised fund was established in loving memory of Tricia as a way to continue to inspire others. Grants from this fund will be awarded to organizations at the recommendation of Tricia’s family for projects that Tricia would have loved and that represent her passion for the arts and life.
This fund was established by Tunxis Community College in 2000 to support the ongoing programs of the Community College.
