Category Archives: News

Did you know that one out of seven school-age children is either a bully or a victim of bullying? And that an estimated 160,000 children miss school every day for fear of intimidation or attack? Bullies are everywhere, on the playground, in the classroom, at the workplace and, more and more often, online.  In 2009, a group of Middlesex County business owners decided to do something about it, and working through the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, established the Council of Business Partners Fund to underwrite the development of the school-based “No Bully Zone” program with the help of Rushford,…

It’s hard to believe that it’s “back to school time” – for students of all ages. So as children and adults head back to the classroom, let’s take this opportunity to salute the many, and varied, educational programs made possible by the dedicated work of our neighbors and friends in Middlesex County. Through partnerships with the Community Foundation, these volunteer-based organizations help improve the quality of life for young and old. Here are two examples of how great things can be accomplished through a collective effort. For the past nine years, Bill’s Seafood Restaurant, a Connecticut shoreline landmark, has hosted…

If it matters to you, it matters to us.  That’s one way we describe the Community Foundation of Middlesex County.  We are a “grassroots” organization, founded 18 years ago by a group of local residents who came together and pooled their resources to support issues that matter to people in Middlesex County. We continue that can-do spirit today, fulfilling the passions of donors and meeting specific needs of our neighbors.  Here are just two examples of how we work with good people doing great things in Middlesex County. Five years ago, Old Saybrook residents Mark and Kristin Leopoldino reached out…

Oh the joys of summer and being a kid!  For most children the last day of school signals the beginning of new adventures.  Many head off to camp to explore the great outdoors, discover the arts, and just have lots of fun.  A great camp experience can boost self-confidence, enhance emotional development, and teach valuable leadership skills, all having a positive, life-long impact on those who participate.  In Middlesex County, we are fortunate to have numerous local, high-quality programs which offer a wide range of activities for kids of all ages and interests.  We are also very lucky to have…

The Board of Directors and staff of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County would like to thank everyone who supported the annual celebration of “Good People Doing Great Things.” The 2015 Event Committee and the CFMC Development Committee put their heads and hearts into preparing a fabulous week of high stakes celebration this year. They raised the odds and added a new event,

Philanthropy.  Leadership.  Legacy. These are the tenets of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County and the qualities of the many individuals we celebrate and honor throughout the year. We are privileged that donors have chosen to put their dollars to work through the Community Foundation, both during their lifetimes and through planned gifts. These wonderful people have a positive impact on the community and the causes they care about now and well into the future. June is National Leave a Legacy Month. We are honoring two couples whose stories are truly inspirational and representative of the many donors who work…

A Conversation with Bea Holt Bea Holt is a resident of Middletown and Florida, and is very active in her communities. She loves the outdoors and can often be found leading hikes and environmental programs for children and adults. She is also an avid patron of the arts, attending performances at all of the local theaters and galleries in Middlesex County. She believes in programs supporting basic human needs, and is an advocate of supporting those services because

Middletown students in the Swaim After School Strings Program perform in concert, thanks to support from the Elizabeth Swaim Arts Enrichment Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County. At the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, we know that it’s the little things that count, that can change a community and improve the quality of life for all. TOGETHER we feed the hungry, shelter families, teach young and old to read, preserve local history and land, help people of all ages explore the arts, teach children to swim, support anti-bullying programs in our schools, help those with disabilities experience independence, and…