More Than 1,000 Fresh Lunches Assembled and Distributed in the Community

HARTFORD, CT (February 28, 2020) – Attendees of Waterford Hotel Group’s Annual Leadership Conference recently assembled more than 1,000 meals as part of a charitable giving activity. The bagged lunches which included a sandwich, apple, and condiments were turned over to The Open Hearth for distribution in the community.

Michael Heaton, President of Waterford Hotel Group, praised conference attendees for their participation. “Through the Waterford Group Charitable Foundation, we pride ourselves in giving back to the communities in which we live and work. Taking time from our conference to engage in an activity that is impactful to the Hartford region is both important and rewarding,” he said. In addition, Heaton thanked the many organizations that donated to the event, including products ranging from paper bags, sandwich ingredients, and apples. Donors included Buyers Edge, Sysco Connecticut, FreshPoint, Performance Foodservice, Hormel Foods, The Kraft Heinz Company, Guest Supply, and Kittredge Equipment.

Marilyn Rossetti, Executive Director of The Open Hearth was on hand for the fundraising event. “Thanks to the generosity of Waterford Hotel Group, at least 500 men and families eagerly and warmly accepted the donated lunches. We were proud to share with other facilities that serve a similar population in the greater Hartford area,” said Rossetti.

About Waterford Group Charitable Foundation
In 2006, Waterford Group and its affiliates formed the Waterford Group Charitable Foundation, a registered 501c3 nonprofit, which supports the communities in which their associates live and work. The Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of others through monetary and gift-in-kind donations, as well as volunteering at various events. Waterford associates donate to the Foundation through voluntary payroll contributions, as well as participate in numerous fundraising events each year. This allows the Waterford Group Charitable Foundation to support many charitable causes, both on a national and regional level.

About The Open Hearth
Founded in 1884, The Open Hearth Association (The Hearth) is the oldest continuously operating housing program for adult men on the East Coast. Our mission is to help men experiencing homelessness to enhance their capacity for self-help, self-respect, and dignity, and to achieve their full potential as responsible citizens of Greater Hartford and Connecticut – and beyond. We not only address the basic needs of the men who live with us by providing shelter, food, and clothing. We also offer training, opportunities, and guidance for men to find employment and, ultimately, permanent housing.