[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 20, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S4362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE HARTFORD FOUNDATION FOR PUBLIC GIVING

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate the 
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, which was awarded the 2012 
Bronze Award by the Council on Foundations this past Spring as part of 
their Wilmer Shields Rich Awards Program. Every year, the Council on 
Foundations recognizes foundations around the country that have engaged 
in strategic communications strategies and innovative projects that 
inspire and inform other grantmakers.
  Since 1925, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has been a 
thriving philanthropic institution where Connecticut nonprofit 
organizations can seek financial support and connect with givers 
throughout the State. This highly professional, industrious, and 
dynamic institution singularly impacts the Capitol Region of 
Connecticut, having granted $532 million since its beginning to address 
community needs. It fosters partnerships, assists nonprofits in 
developing their long-term plans and funding strategies, and hosts 
informational forums for the sharing of fresh perspectives. The 
Foundation is unique in its broad and diverse support for the Greater 
Hartford area, showcasing families on their website, who invite others 
to join them, advising ``We're not the Rockefellers. We're just a 
normal family . . . willing to take this step.''
  The Council on Foundations recognized the Hartford Foundation for 
Public Giving specifically for its 2010 Annual Report, Creating 
Brighter Futures, which focused on the Foundation's efforts towards 
effective childhood development and education through its Brighter 
Futures Initiative. The great success of the Brighter Future Initiative 
has strengthened existing early education programs as well as inspired 
the development of innovative strategies around the country. In the 
report's introductory letter, President and Chief Executive Officer 
Lindy Kelly eloquently shares the groundbreaking changes she has 
witnessed in our Hartford-area schools. She tells the story of 
Lavarey--then a second-grader at Rawson School at risk for illiteracy. 
Through the Hartford Haskins Literary Initiative, he learned to read 
with joy. Ms. Kelly writes of her memory of Lavarey on stage during 
their annual Celebration of Giving ceremony, waving confidently at the 
400-member audience, who in turn, mirrored Lavarey's happiness, proud 
to be part of the journey of a young boy who will soon become a 
contributing member of their community.
  The Hartford Foundation's 2010 Annual Report--a large, comprehensive 
document that expertly weaves stories, accomplishments, and 
statistics--reflects the rich tapestry of the Hartford Foundation for 
Public Giving. By seamlessly inviting families, all levels of 
government, schools, nonprofit organizations, professional advisors, 
volunteers, and donors to join their mission for change, they evoke and 
provoke humanitarianism and patriotism.
  I invite my Senate colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for bringing hope and help to 
Connecticut's institutions, programs, and citizens that need it the 
most.

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