The West Hartford-based Bridge Family Center recognized Connecticut Wealth Management with the Bridge Business Award and Brian Smith with the George C. Hastings Award.

Margaret Hann, Executive Director of the Bridge Family Center, with award recipient Brian Smith. Submitted photo

Submitted

Connecticut Wealth Management was presented with the Bridge Business Award at the Bridge Family Center Annual Meeting on June 4, 2019. Given annually, the award celebrates the positive impact a company has made on the lives of the children, adults, and families who turn to the Bridge for hope and healing.

Also at the annual meeting, Brian R. Smith, a partner at Robinson + Cole and member of the Bridge Family Center’s Board of Directors, received the inaugural George C. Hastings Award. The award, named after one of the Bridge’s founding leaders, was presented to an individual who exemplifies Hastings’ courageous, caring, and insightful nature and embodies his enduring commitment to those served by the organization.

Connecticut Wealth Management has invested over $30,000 in the mission of the Bridge through sponsorship of the Bridge’s signature fundraising event, the Children’s Charity Ball, and a multi-year pledge commitment.

The company encourages employee volunteer participation and coordinates a food drive at its annual holiday party resulting in 65 bags of non-perishable items donated to the Bridge’s shelter annually. In addition, Kathy Christensen, a director at Connecticut Wealth Management, serves on the Bridge’s Board of Directors and is a member of the Ball Committee.

“As we celebrate our 50^thanniversary this year, we reflect on the group of caring and courageous individuals who saw a need in the community and founded the Bridge in 1969. Five decades later and we are still blessed with people who want to enhance the lives of the children, adults and families in our community. Connecticut Wealth Management is a valued partner and we are so grateful to have been chosen as one of the three organizations Connecticut Wealth Management supports with their philanthropic endeavors,” remarked Margaret Hann, Executive Director of the Bridge.

“We thank its leadership, employees, and clients for their incredible generosity and giving spirit and for the positive changes they are making in people’s lives,” Hann added.

Smith, recipient of the George C. Hastings Award, has been a strong supporter of the Bridge for over 20 years. In 2011, he joined the Bridge’s Board of Directors and has served as chair of the Governance Committee for most of his tenure.

Smith’s legal counsel has been a tremendous asset to the organization particularly as it opened residential programs throughout the state. Hastings had been a cherished colleague and mentor to Smith and introduced him to the Bridge Family Center through the work of Robinson + Cole.

Hann said that the organization reflected on the bold individuals who saw a need in the community that led to the founding of The Bridge 50 years ago.

“George Hastings was among this group and we were fortunate to have his leadership, guidance and support for over 40 years,” Hann said. “George was a voice for voiceless who was driven to overcome challenges and achieve justice. In selecting Brian to receive this award, we have chosen someone who mirrors George’s values, ethics and desire to improve the lives of the children, adults, and families in our community. We are pleased and proud to present this award to Brian and thank him for his exceptional dedication to our mission.”

The Bridge Family Center serves approximately 9,000 children, adults and families each year. In addition to its central office, counseling center, Family Resource Center and Teen Center in West Hartford, the Bridge also offers counseling centers in Avon and Rockville and short term assessment and respite homes in and around Hartford County.

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