Hartford’s revitalized riverfront last year pumped at least $7.25 million directly into the state economy, an engine that could expand from the $1.1 billion worth of development underway on both sides of the Connecticut River, a new study shows.
Riverfront Recapture, the nonprofit that manages and promotes events showcasing the river frontage in Hartford and East Hartford, says private events on the riverfront generated another $1 million in sales for supporting businesses and vendors.
According to the study, nearly 900,000 people visited the riverfront parks for free concerts, festivals and artists’ performances in 2014, up 12 percent from 2013.
The study’s other conclusions:
• For every $1 raised for riverfront activities, $2.90 is contributed to the state’s gross domestic product;
• More than $987,000 in tax revenues were generated as a result of Riverfront Recapture’s public events and activities;
• A total of 111 jobs are created based on Riverfront Recapture’s public events and activities;
• Private events contributed an additional nearly $1 million in sales to the area in 2014;
• A total of 897,237 people enjoyed riverfront activities last year, an increase of 12 percent from 2013.
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The St. Francis Foundation and Hoffman Breast Health Center at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center were the recipients of a $10,000 donation from the 6th Annual Chip in for a Cure Martini Night at Hartford’s Society Room. Overall, the event raised $22,000. Chip In for A Cure has been raising money for the breast center at St. Francis since 1995 and helps fund the patient assistance and free mammogram programs.
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Bloomfield’s Foodshare recently received over 56,000 meals worth of food thanks to Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation’s “Three Square Meals” hunger relief program.
Funds for Three Square Meals are raised annually between November and December through a combination of in-store customer donations at the register, contributions from the business community, and matching funds from the Job Lot Charitable Foundation.
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Glastonbury’s GoodWorks Insurance donated $15,000 to nonprofit Operation Fuel as part of a collaboration with the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association, which donated $5,985, for a total donation of $20,985. Operation Fuel provides emergency energy assistance throughout Connecticut to lower-income working families and individuals, the elderly and disabled individuals.
