A West Hartford couple was chosen as the winner of the Valentine’s Day contest based on a heartfelt tribute written by Neil Bermingham to his wife Kate.

Kate and Neil Bermingham won the Valentine’s Day contest sponsored by New Country Motor Car Group. Submitted photo

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New Country Motor Car Group in Hartford chose the heartwarming tribute to a Hartford teacher from her grateful husband as the winner of the 3rd Annual Romantic Ride and Rendezvous Valentine’s promotion. Of the countless nominations that were received, West Hartford resident Neil Bermingham’s was awarded the grand prize.

Neil wrote:

I have never met someone with more compassion, love and patience. Kate is a dedicated and loving 2nd grade teacher in Hartford (Expeditionary Learning Academy at Moylan School in Hartford), an amazing wife to an admittedly stubborn husband, and an amazing mother to Henry, our 10-month-old first born. Somehow, Kate finds time to deal with me, nurture our son, and buy winter clothes for students who have none, all without batting an eye. Kate’s journey and commitments might sound familiar to many. But Kate does this all while battling MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Some days Kate can’t feel her legs or arms or her hands and sometimes it’s all of the above. No matter how tired or weak, Kate continually maintains her students, and family in the center of her world, and always puts herself last. …I don’t want to win this contest because Kate has MS, is an amazing mother, an exceptional wife, or an extraordinary teacher. I want this so that Kate knows she’s never taken for granted, and that her drive and resolve are appreciated by not just me, my son or her students but by everyone who knows her.

“I heard Scot Haney mention the contest on the morning news and knew I wanted to give Kate a special night,” said Neil. “We planned on going on a date once a month after Henry was born, but that hasn’t happened. This will only be our third time on a date since last March.”

From left : Tim Parker, vice president of New Country Motor Cars in Hartford, and Scot Haney, WFSB-Channel 3 Eyewitness News meteorologist and Better Connecticut host, were among the judges who chose Neil and Kate Bermingham of West Hartford as the winners of New Country’s 3rd Annual Romantic Ride and Rendezvous. Submitted photo

The Berminghams of West Hartford, who have been married for two years, were chosen to win the grand prize package by a prestigious panel of romance experts, including WFSB-Channel 3 Eyewitness News Meteorologist and Better Connecticut Host Scot Haney, and Tim Parker, vice president of New Country Motor Cars. The winners will receive a beautiful strand of pearls valued at $600 from Becker’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry and be whisked away by a personal chauffeur in a luxurious new Mercedes or BMW to indulge in a candlelit, gourmet tasting of exquisite French cuisine at a’Vert Brasserie Restaurant in West Hartford Center.

To prepare for the event, the lucky couple will get primped and polished with a haircut and shave at Kennedy’s All American Barber Club for him and a glamorous hair styling at Blo Blow Dry Bar for her, both in Blue Back Square. Then they can both enjoy the Ultimate Wax Experience with a complimentary service of their choice at the European Wax Center in Simsbury.

“Kate is exactly the type of deserving person we wanted to give a spouse the chance to acknowledge. We wanted to provide a memorable evening that they will always cherish beyond Valentine’s Day,” said Peter Keast, General Manager of New Country BMW.