Community Access

We spoke with Dawn Whalen, the executive director of Rebuilding Together Hartford, about their organization's work. Rebuilding Together Hartford focuses on no-cost home repairs for Hartford homeowners with incomes around 50% of the area median income. They serve a wide range of people, including homeowners with small children, senior citizens, veterans, and those who have lost a spouse. Last year, they had 200 volunteers on National Rebuilding Day and are aiming for a $50,000 goal through the Travelers Birdies for Charity program.

We spoke with Shelly Pope, Executive Director of Shepherd Meadows Equestrian Center in Bristol, about their equine-assisted services, which include adaptive riding, hippo therapy, and equine-assisted psychotherapy. The center, celebrating its 20th anniversary, serves individuals from age 4 to 94, with a focus on unmounted therapy. They offer group programs and open barn days.

We spoke with Andrew Montgomery, raising funds for the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber in honor of his daughter Sarah, who had a rare and aggressive blood cancer, aims to raise over $100,000 for Dr. Andy Lane's research. Andrew's first fundraising event raised over $20,000, and they have already raised over $2,000 through Birdies for Charity.

We spoke with Jeff Bravin, Executive Director of the American School for the Deaf (ASD), and his interpreter, Heidi. ASD offers a range of programs including a statewide birth-to-three program, K-12 education, residential treatment for students with emotional and behavioral challenges, a summer camp in Salisbury, Connecticut, an online academy, community sign language classes, and interpreting services.

We spoke with Sivan Hines, President of Hartford Promise, about the organization's mission to provide college opportunities for Hartford students regardless of financial circumstances. Since its inception in 2016, Hartford Promise has awarded over $10 million in scholarships, with 500 graduates and 450 current students. The program offers comprehensive support, including individual college coaching, and serves 120-125 students annually, each eligible for up to $100,000.

We spoke with Anne D'Orvilliers, Chair of Medical Aid to Haiti Inc., about their efforts to provide healthcare in Haiti. Medical Aid to Haiti has been operating for over 16 years, supporting a hospital near Port-au-Prince that offers various medical services, including maternal health, surgery, ophthalmology, and dental care.

We spoke with Kelly Dougherty, Partnerships and Communications Coordinator at Hands on Hartford, about their community programs. Hands on Hartford, a 57-year-old nonprofit, serves Hartford with 11 programs focusing on food security, housing assistance, and health support. Their Gather 55 restaurant offers meals for $3 or through volunteer work during the day and transforms into a fine dining experience with guest chefs on the first Wednesday of each month, with tips and profits supporting their programs.

We spoke with Patrick Owens, Executive Director from Horizons at Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut. The program, funded by Travelers' $4 million donation, serves 150 students from Hartford with six weeks of summer enrichment, including academics and various activities. The program is fee-free, thanks to $500,000 raised annually, with additional support from the Birdies for Charity program. Success stories include a student attending Westminster and another speaking at the Connecticut Science Center.

We spoke with Izzy Post Ruhland, the Marketing Director of the Enfield Fourth of July celebration, about the upcoming event. The celebration, which marks the 250th birthday of the United States, will take place from July 10-12. It features concerts, kids' activities, a parade, car show, road race, and fireworks, with the latter being the highlight, produced by Zambelli International.

We spoke with Matt Fleury, President and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center, about the center's community support and upcoming exhibits. The Science Center, a partnership between the state, philanthropists, and donors, has welcomed over 5 million visitors in 17 years. This summer, the center will feature a major shark exhibition, including a life-size megalodon, and an outdoor kids' space funded by Andy and Joyce Vandell and the Bronstein family.

We spoke with Krissy Dorsey, Executive Director of the CJK Foundation, about their involvement in the Travelers Championship. The CJK Foundation, which aims to make mental health accessible, receives a 15% match on donations thanks to Webster Bank and Aetna. The foundation focuses on community support and provides financial assistance for mental health treatment, including co-pays and sliding scale therapy.

We spoke with Carrah Kalat, Aetna's Chief Marketing Officer. Last year, Travelers donated $4 million to area charities, with $2.8 million from the Birdies program, matched by Webster Bank and Aetna, which offers a 15% match on donations. Over 220 charities are participating this year. Aetna's involvement reflects their commitment to community support, having been deeply rooted in Connecticut for over 173 years. The program allows donations to be matched, enhancing the impact of charitable contributions.

We spoke with Jennifer Levine, Director of External Relations at Hartford Stage, about their upcoming collaboration with TheaterWorks Hartford on the production of "Sweeney Todd." The show, directed by Rob Ruggiero, will run from June 5 to July 5.

We spoke with Tamer Mourad, Vice President and Director of Training at Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, about their work and the impact of donations. Fidelco, which has been breeding German Shepherds since the 1960s, provides guide dogs to visually impaired individuals through community placements, where trainers travel to clients' homes.

We spoke with Kara Capone, CEO of Mercy Housing and Shelter, about their work in Hartford. Established in 1983, Mercy Housing aims to help people transition from homelessness to stability. The demand for their services has surged post-COVID due to an affordable housing crisis.

We spoke with Shaun Heffernan, Executive Director of Camp Rising Sun, about how the camp offers a free, therapeutic summer experience for children with cancer and their siblings, including activities like horseback riding and swimming.

We spoke with Mark Moriarty, CEO of First Tee Connecticut, about their participation in the Birdies for Charity program at the Travelers Championship. First Tee Connecticut introduces golf and life skills to young people aged 5 to college, emphasizing the importance of learning and fun.

We spoke with Beth Hines, Executive Director of Community Partners in Action (CPA), about the organization's mission to help individuals transition from prison to community life. CPA, with roots back to 1875, operates reentry centers in Waterbury and Hartford, providing essential services like housing and employment assistance.

We spoke with Richard Wyman, Executive Director of the Community Music School in Essex, about their participation in the Travelers Championship Birdies for Charity program. The school, which has been operating for 42 years, offers private music lessons and various programs for all ages, including an intergenerational string ensemble, a New Horizons band for retirees, and Music Together classes for young children.

We spoke with Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, about the challenges faced by the organization due to rising costs and increased food insecurity in Connecticut.

We spoke with Marissa Weidner, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Webster Bank, about the bank's involvement in the Travelers Championship and the Birdies for Charity program.

We spoke with Glynn Hawley, Director of Operations for the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC), anout the 2026 event, aiming to raise $79 million for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The event on August 1-2 will feature 6,000 riders starting from Holy Cross in Worcester and Boston College in Wellesley.

We spoke with Eric Harrison, President and CEO of the United Way for Central and Northeastern Connecticut about The United Way which serves 56 communities in Connecticut, focusing on child literacy, financial stability, and workforce development. Their Rapid Response Fund provides $100,000 annually to prevent homelessness.

We spoke with Kim Morgan from Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County about their work in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship, serving over 14,000 students annually.

We spoke with Ilene Frank, Executive Director of the Connecticut Museum for Culture and History about the museum's significance as it celebrates its 250th anniversary, founded in 1825, a year before the 50th anniversary of the American Revolution.

We spoke with Kevin Kinsall, principal trumpet of the Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, about his insights on learning the trumpet and his 11-year tenure with the orchestra.

We spoke with Travelers Championship Tournament Director Nathan Grube about the Birdies for Charity program, which offers a 15% match on donations thanks to Webster Bank and Aetna. Over 220 charities are participating this year.

We spoke with Dr. Abbas Mohammadi from Columbia Dental about his lifelong dream of providing dental services seven days a week, inspired by his mother's distress with a toothache.

We spoke with Ed Matz, Executive Director of Connecticut Sports Management, about the ShopRite Nutmeg State Games.

We spoke with Andrea Pecoriello, co-founder and executive director of Sweet Pea Bakery, about their nonprofit in Norwalk, Connecticut, that employs adults with developmental disabilities.

We spoke with Adrian Sylveen, Artistic Director of Virtuosi Opera about the company's history and current productions. 

We spoke with National Coast Guard Museum President, Captain Wes Pulver of the U.S. Coast Guard about a national museum being built in New London, Connecticut. 

We spoke with Aidan Ramirez who is a student at the University of Hartford. Aidan is making his Hartford Stage debut in the ensemble of Native Gardens.

We spoke with David Oliver, founder of Diabetes Plus with Dave, and Dr. Laura Christoph, a professor at the University of St. Joseph, about the Thrive 2026 study and an upcoming walk event for people with diabetes.

We sat down with Vinnie Infante, owner of Lion's Den Coffee in Southington, to talk about his inspiring journey from longtime Bristol police officer to local small‑business success story.

We spoke with Joyce Bray, President of the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative about the Connecticut Race in the Park at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain on May 9, includes a 5K run, survivor breakfast, kids' runs, and various family activities.

We spoke with Joy Peck, a registered nurse coordinator, and Kirsten Foster, a registered nurse, from the Smiley Cancer Center at St. Francis Hospital to discuss the upcoming Cancer Survivor's Day celebration on June 7.

We spoke with Events & Communications Manager Jenn Frontiero and Membership & Development Director Kate Kobs about the 2026 WEHA Health and Wellness Expo on Tuesday, May 19, from 12 to 3 PM on Isham Road in Blue Back Square. The event offers local health and wellness businesses a platform to showcase their services, including traditional medicine, physical therapy, fitness, mental health, chiropractic, senior care, and spa services.

We spoke with Mimi Madden, programs consultant for American Mural Project about the America 250 celebration with various programs, including personal storytelling, historical presentations, and live performances.

We spoke with Dr. Abbas Mohammadi, founder of Columbia Dental about their locations and oral cancer awareness month.

We spoke with retired police officer Vinnie Infante about giving back to the community through his amazing coffee shop. 

We spoke with Board member Melissa Tweedie and Executive Director Michaela Fissel about Advocacy Unlimited. 

We spoke with Associate Director/Associate Choreographer Emily Rafala and their Dance Captain Melissa Green about the show the upcoming show at Warner Theatre.  

We spoke with Kathy K. Taylor, Esq. President and CEO of Connecticut Community Foundation about Give Local and the Foundation.

We spoke with Elicia Pegues Spearman CEO of the Girls Scouts of CT about a new girl scout cookie and that cookie season is underway.  

We spoke with Founder and Director Helen Chase of The Social Chase about an upcoming event.  

We spoke with Sheree Marcucci Director of Special Events and Curated Programs Palace Theater Waterbury about two upcoming events. 

We spoke with Wayne Pesce about the Connecticut Food Association.

We spoke with Kyle Eagleson who is President and CEO of Ascend Bank.

We spoke with Connecticut Author Jennifer Mancini who wrote a children's book.

We spoke with Bonnie Meyers and Brendan Faulker who are with Brain Injury Alliance of CT.