(Matt Bevin, President and 6th generation Owner of Bevin Bros Mfg. Co., telling the crowd how much has been accomplished in the past year since the East Hampton factory burned to the ground.)

Beyond the Bells

Hartford Fundraiser - A Huge Success!

HARTFORD – A large crowd of Salvation Army supporters gathered at Hartford Marriott Downtown for the Beyond the Bells fundraiser on May 23. Guests were entertained with informative videos, moving music and a strong program. Greater Hartford Advisory Board Chairman Bill Ferrigno welcomed the guests, introduced the Master of Ceremonies – WTIC’s Ray Dunaway, and the program was underway!

Matt Bevin, President and 6th generation Owner of Bevin Bros. Mfg. - the only bell manufacturing company left in the United States, was the Keynote Speaker. He made reference to his 180-year-old factory in East Hampton, Connecticut that burned to the ground a year ago on Memorial Day weekend and how that tragedy impacted his life. The audience was entertained with how Bevin Bros. “rose from the ashes” to deliver a large order of Salvation Army bells just in time for “Red Kettle Season” at Christmas. Bevin’s speech was about hope and prayer and how Bevin Bros. and The Salvation Army’s stories come together.

(Aetna receiving the “Others” Award. Pictured are Aetna employees Mark Robitaille, Chris Montross, and Jean LaTorre, with Captain Christine Glasco and Major Dave Champlin presenting the award.)

The second half of the program began with a Salvation Army video about rehabilitation and recovery, a Soldier’s Testimony, then music. Middletown Corps Officer, Captain Renee Hovatter, entertained the audience with a moving rendition of a song – “Make Me a Blessing.” This was followed by the “Others” Award presentation - The Salvation Army’s highest honor. Major David A. Champlin, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Southern New England, and Captain Brian Glasco, Greater Hartford Area Coordinator, did the honors.

(Henry J. Bahre receiving the “Doing The Most Good” Award for his longtime support of The Salvation Army and the WTIC Holiday Store. Presenting the award are Ray Dunaway, the voice of Mornings With Ray Dunaway, and Major Brian Glasco, Salvation Army Area Coordinator for Greater Hartford.)

Accepting on behalf of Aetna was Jean C. LaTorre, Chief Investment Officer and Corporate Economist of Aetna, Inc. Ms. LaTorre maintains a commitment to the community by serving on local boards and is also an executive sponsor of Aetna’s relationship with Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity and the YWCA Hartford Region. Major Champlin commented, “It’s companies like Aetna and dedicated Aetna employees like Jean, who have devoted money, time, talent and effort into restoring South Marshall Street into a revitalized neighborhood in the Asylum Hill community.” Also accepting the award were Aetna employees Chris Montross, Managing Director for Corporate Public Involvement, and Mark Robitaille, Head of Care Management Support. Mark also serves as a member of The Salvation Army’s Greater Hartford Advisory Board.

The next presentation – the “Doing The Most Good” Award, was given to Henry J. Bahre of Canton. This award is given to an organization, group, or individual that has contributed significantly to the expansion of programs, services or resources of The Salvation Army. Henry is the patriarch of the WTIC 1080 Holiday Store. He has been a supporter of it for all of the 23 years that the event has existed. Henry and his yellow legal pad are the stuff that legends are made of! Henry’s love for The Salvation Army goes back to his father from World War I. Henry reflected, “My Dad always told me wonderful stories about The Salvation Army. So I really enjoy helping them help others.” The award was presented by Ray Dunaway, the host of Mornings with Ray Dunaway and the voice of the Holiday Store.

Time flew by until the bell rang and the event was over. Captain Christine Glasco gave the closing Benediction and everyone went back to work, thinking of how The Salvation Army goes Beyond the Bells each and every day of the year.