West Hartford Chamber Launches New Charitable Foundation

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce has launched a charitable foundation aimed at supporting education, workforce development, leadership initiatives, and community programs.

The West Hartford Chamber Foundation has been established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and will work with businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions and philanthropic organizations on initiatives benefiting West Hartford and the surrounding region.

The Chamber of Commerce will continue its work supporting businesses and economic growth, while the foundation will focus on charitable and educational programs intended to expand access to resources and support the community.

"The West Hartford Chamber Foundation represents an investment in people, relationships, and the future of our community," Foundation Board Chair Chris Clarke of Webster Bank said. "Strong communities are the result of intentionality. They are built when people choose to invest in one another and create opportunities for others to succeed."

West Hartford Chamber President and CEO Chris Conway said establishing a 501(c)(3) will allow the organization to pursue additional funding and partnerships.

"The creation of the West Hartford Chamber Foundation opens the door to new partnerships and expanded opportunities to serve our community," Conway said.

In addition to Clarke, the foundation's founding board includes Christine Looby of Trinity Health Senior Communities as secretary; Aaron Frankel of Franklin & Frankel as legal counsel; Mary Kay Curtiss of CliftonLarsenAllen and Bernard Kavaler of Express Strategies as directors; and Mark Walker of On The Court as treasurer.

The foundation said it will develop its programs, partnerships, and philanthropic priorities as it begins operations.

For more information and to donate to the foundation, click on this link.