Every year Main Street Community Foundation gathers together board members, past leadership, and founders for a year-end review and to celebrate another year of successful grantmaking, community partnerships, and building a charitable base for the future. As presented at the Annual Meeting, 2023 saw the distribution of a record $2.4 million in grants and scholarships to benefit the residents of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott, bringing the total amount awarded from Main Street Community Foundation since its establishment in 1995 to $28.2 million. Additionally, the Foundation received $2.2 million in contributions last year and six new funds were established at the Foundation by local individuals, families and organizations to support causes they care about to better their communities.

The Annual Meeting is also a moment to celebrate and hear directly from grantees that have been impacted by the work of MSCF and the generosity of donors. This year, Sabrina Trocchi, President and CEO of Wheeler Health was there to speak about their commitment to community health and the ways MSCF has supported that mission. MSCF has awarded grants to Wheeler Health for a variety of programs for many years, from their Walk With Me program to the Southington Community Health Outreach Initiative, all to assist them in their role as a one-stop-shop for care for all ages. As Trocchi said at the Annual Meeting about the work that Wheeler does, “More than anything, we provide hope.”

MSCF elected and welcomed two new board members at the Annual Meeting: Paula Knight of Southington, a lifelong educator, and Wyland Dale Clift, also of Southington, an accomplished attorney with deep roots in Bristol. Both will serve on the Board of Directors for a three-year term.

Additionally, this meeting oversaw the re-election of board members Megan Albanese, Jarre Betts, and Rebecca Zappone, and the election of key officer positions. Daniel Daigle was elected as Chair, Kathryn Reinhard as Vice Chair, William Micari as Secretary, and Kyle Biddick as Treasurer, while Scott Fournier moved into the position of Past Chair. The Foundation’s Board consists of community leaders charged with ensuring donors’ intentions are fulfilled in perpetuity, all of whom take the responsibility very seriously. “The Board of Directors plays an essential role in guiding the Foundation’s work in the region,” said Susan Sadecki. “We are grateful for their generous commitment of time and the valuable expertise each brings to the Foundation as well as their knowledge of the communities where they live and work.”

While the Foundation welcomed new faces and new positions to the Board, one member was recognized for her dedicated service as she retired off the board of directors. Marguerite Fletcher of Bristol served 12 years and held three positions over that time, including Treasurer, Chair, and Past Chair in addition to serving on every committee and volunteering for many events and projects. Fletcher has been a devoted volunteer to MSCF since its beginning, always willing to attend events on the Foundation’s behalf and spread the word of its presence in the community. While she is retiring from the board, her leadership and commitment has left an undeniable mark on MSCF.