The SBM Charitable Foundation recently awarded first quarter grants totaling $281,550 to area non-profits. Thirty-three organizations benefited from SBMCF “We’re Pulling for You” Grants that support primarily East of the River programs.
The announcement was made by Executive Director Doreen Downham, successor to Sheila B. Flanagan who retired Feb. 28 after 10 years as the foundation’s first and only executive director.
Recipient organizations represent Hartford, Tolland, and Windham counties. In Manchester, direct contributions were made to Cheney Hall Foundation, and the Manchester Police Explorers. Downtown Manchester Special Services District received funding to support the Taste of Manchester Community Event. Funding to the Manchester Board of Education was for two programs — Manchester High School Project Graduation and Discovery Center Camperships for Keeney Street Elementary School students. The Town of Manchester received funding for its Youth & Senior Fishing Derbies/Community Programs; Manchester Community College Foundation for academic scholarships for MCC students; the Mayor’s Program for Manchester Children to provide summer camperships for low to moderate income children; and Covenant to Care for Children Inc. to support basic needs for at-risk children.
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YWCA Hartford Region held the 15th annual In The Company of Women Luncheon on April 7 at the Connecticut Convention Center. The sell-out crowd of more than 1,500 heard keynote speaker Michele Norris from NPR’s All Things Considered. The event, a fundraiser for YWCA program and services. benefited from $226,000 in sponsorships.
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Cardiologists, oncologists and radiologists at the University of Connecticut Health Center will work together to research the effects of chemotherapy on breast cancer survivors’ heart health. The Connecticut Breast Health Initiative has awarded a $50,000 grant to Dr. Erick Avelar, director of noninvasive cardiac imaging in the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, to lead this effort. “Some breast cancer patients who receive chemotherapy are susceptible to developing heart muscle disease called cardiomyopathy,” Avelar said. There are no imaging tests or biomarkers that can detect early cardiac changes associated with chemotherapy.”
