Creating positive communities through youth empowerment is the goal of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County’s Council of Business Partners. The “No Bully Zone,” developed in partnership with Rushford prevention specialists, provides tools and programs for schools and community groups to address bullying and help children stand up to bullying.

Donny Marshall, a former UConn Huskies and NBA basketball player, joined CFMC and Rushford professionals to spend a morning with children and parents at The Country School in Madison, CT. Marshall shared his experiences growing up in Washington state and then spent the morning talking with the children about their experiences and ways to empower one another to stand up to bullying.

In September 2009, a dedicated group of Middlesex County business leaders took a stand against bullying. Working through the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC), these leaders established the Council of Business Partners Fund and, with the help of Rushford, a Hartford Healthcare partner, developed and funded the “No Bully Zone” Program.

CFMC’s Council of Business Partners – John J. Sullivan, A&A Office Systems; Arlene Mazzotta and Laura Pedersen, A.R. Mazzotta Employment Specialists; William, Susan and Shawn McCann, BEST Cleaners; Colin Burr, Brown & Brown Insurance; David Director, Connecticut Lighting Centers, Inc.; Dave Gilbert, Direct Energy; Dan Zimmerman, DLZ Associates, LLC; Mauricio C. Salgar, Gabrielle’s; James Mahoney, Mahoney Sabol & Co.; Marc Levin, Malloves Jewelers, Middletown; Nancy Raczka; Theodore Rossi, The Rossi Companies; David Shulman, Suburban Stationers, Inc.; St. Mary’s Church, Portland and Congregation Adath Israel, Middletown, Interfaith Golf Open Tournament.

For more information about the “No Bully Zone” program and how to bring it your community, contact Cynthia Clegg at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, 860.347.0025 or Cynthia@MiddlesexCountyCF.org.