May 29, 2018 - The Men & Boys’ Fund of Main Street Community Foundation will hold its first fundraiser on Monday, June 25 at the new Main Street Pint & Plate Restaurant. “Raise a Pint” will be held from 5-8p.m. and tickets are $45, which includes a sampling of the menu and a pint of beer or glass of wine. Tickets can be purchased by sending a check to Main Street Community Foundation, P.O. Box 2702, Bristol, CT 06010.

“We’re delighted to partner with J.R. and Leanne Rusgrove, the owners of Main Street Pint & Plate, and help showcase their new restaurant with its enticing menu and commitment to the community while raising money to improve the lives of local men and boys,” said Rodger Stotz, chair of the Men & Boys’ Fund Advisory Board.

The Men & Boys’ Fund works to make it possible for men and boys to improve the quality of their lives, increase their self-sufficiency, and make a positive difference in their communities. The Fund serves Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott. Since its establishment in 2016, the Men & Boys’ Fund has provided program and immediate need grants to local men and boys. “Funding for these impactful grants and immediate needs is totally dependent on the generosity of individuals, organizations and fundraisers like this one on June 25th,” noted Rodger.

Susan Sadecki, President & CEO of the Main Street Community Foundation and Rodger both expressed excitement at the progress the still relatively new fund is making. Bristol Youth Services received a grant to support their “Skills to Pay the Bills Program”. Bristol Hospital’s Parent & Child Center received a grant to hire a male facilitator for a single father support and education program. Additionally, the Fund has already impacted lives through a number of immediate response grants, which provide a resource to individuals experiencing an unexpected hardship. 

“This Fund addresses the challenges facing men and boys in our communities,” Rodger says. “There is an indentified need for positive male role models, workforce development opportunities and improved access to mental healthcare among others. We want to provide hope and a hand up. We want to build boys and men who reach more of their potential, increase self-sufficiency, and contribute back to their neighborhood.”