Hartford Public Library is nearing its goal of raising $150,000 for the purchase of a new library-on-wheels.
The campaign kicked off at the 2011 One Big Summer Night, the library’s annual gala. The largest contribution was $75,000 from The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. Another $50.250 was raised through individual donations, partially funded through several donor-advised funds at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
“Enhancing education is one of The Hartford’s philanthropic priorities and we look forward to seeing local residents once again take advantage of this great service,” said Alan Kreczko, executive vice president and general counsel for The Hartford.
When the library raises an additional $4,750, the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving will provide the remaining $20,000.
The library’s customers have relied on this mobile service since 1956. The program was formerly known as a bookmobile. But in 2009, the vehicle broke down beyond repair.
“So many people who depended on the library-on-wheels have been waiting for the return of the service”, said Matthew K. Poland, chief executive officer at Hartford Public Library. “We are very close to being on the road again thanks to the generosity of so many friends of the library.”
The Hartford Public Library operates 10 locations in the City of Hartford and receives more than 860,000 visits per year. For information, visit hplct.org.
Women donors issue $50,000 match challenge
Women donors have pledged $50,000 to The Community Fund for Women & Girls if the community will match that sum.
The fund, a component of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, is a permanent charitable endowment dedicated solely to advance women and girls.
“Last year, donors to the fund helped over 800 women and girls participate in programs that taught violence prevention and healthy relationships, sparked girls to advance in math and science, provided prenatal care and supplies to at-risk moms and much more,” said Helene Robbins, chair of the Community Fund for Women & Girls. “Money raised for the fund directly builds the endowment, which in turn provides more grant resources for local nonprofits working with women and girls each year. Complementing the grants program, the fund successfully provides a vehicle to engage women around philanthropy and collective action for social change.”
For information, visit www.fundforwomenandgirls.org.
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In brief
Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington is opening its doors to statewide adult mentors and their “Littles” from Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. Admission to the museum will be free and a series of special events are being planned in coordination with the Nutmeg chapter… Operation Save a Life, a nationwide home safety program, is coming to Connecticut with a helping hand from Kidde, WTNH 8, Home Depot and local fire departments. The program will distribute and install 5,500 smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in homes throughout Connecticut. The Home Depot and Kidde will host fire safety events at select local Home Depot stores on Oct. 6. Kidde, a division of United Technologies Corp.’s Climate, Controls & Security, is the world’s largest manufacturer of fire safety products… Approximately 120 golfers took part in the Community Renewal Team’s 11th annual golf classic to benefit the Meals on Wheels elder nutrition program. The tournament, held at Blue Fox Run in Avon, raised approximately $44,000 that will help pay for a new meal delivery vehicle, which is critical in serving home bound seniors who sign up for the program.
