Good time for a good cause. From Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust www.BNTweb.org:
On September 20, Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust (BNT) is throwing an old-fashioned hootenanny, “BNT’s Bluegrass Bash” from 5:30 PM to sundown, guests are invited to swing by the Pequonnock River at 305 Knowlton Street in Bridgeport, CT and “Chow down on some tasty grub, take a swig of moonshine, stomp your feet to the bluegrass music of ‘Five in the Chamber’ and wrangle yourself a prize or two.”
This wonderful night not only includes music, prizes and BBQ from Star Catering, but also the presentation of BNT’s 1st Annual Community Building with Grace Award.
This award was created and named in honor of BNT’s legendary leader and founding member, Michael D. Grace, Owner/President of CompuLedger, whose endless determination transformed BNT into the organization it is today.
Twenty-seven years ago, in an effort to provide a Bridgeport Neighborhood Fund (now known as Community Capital Fund) a vehicle for fundraising, Michael Grace led the charge in creating BNT. In 1986, BNT began its own programming with a community garden, block watches, cultural events, and providing homeownership counseling and eventually expanded to affordable housing development.
“Michael took his role as chairman seriously, never missing a meeting, building consensus, challenging the board to think strategically, and serving as a mentor to me,” said BNT Executive Director Elizabeth Torres, “I will always be grateful for his leadership.”
Please come to the Bash to honor Michael’s contributions to the nonprofit community in Bridgeport and celebrate with us as we name the award’s 2012 recipient, Ann C. Robinson, Executive Director, Community Capital Fund.
Ann Robinson has been the Executive Director of Community Capital Fund for the past fifteen years. Community Capital Fund is a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that facilitates the flow of capital and expertise into housing and economic developments that benefit low and moderate income people in the Greater Bridgeport Area. Since its inception, CommCap has made over $40 million in loans helping to create over 1000 units of affordable housing and supporting the growth of over 75 small businesses in Bridgeport.
She sits on the Board of Mutual Housing Association of Southwestern Connecticut and is Vice-President and Secretary of the Connecticut CDFI Alliance. Ms. Robinson over 20 years of experience as a housing advocate, attorney, fundraiser and lender.
Tickets are $50.00 and must be purchased in advance at www.BNTweb.org or by calling Tracy Cramer at 203-332-7977 ext 310. Proceeds benefit affordable housing programs and services by Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust.
The event is brought to you by our generous premier sponsors: Peoples United Bank, Haynes Construction and Citizen’s Bank. Additional sponsorship has been provided by Brown Construction, Alloy Engineering, Capital Power/Bridgeport Energy LLC, Citibank, Cohen and Wolf, P.C., Community Capital Fund, Housing Rehabilitation Institute, MP Development, Prestige Renovations, SSM Builders and TLC Services.
So come on down, it’s guaranteed to be a raucous good time for a good cause.
About Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust:
Since 1986, BNT’s mission has been to strengthen Bridgeport’s communities by developing affordable housing, creating healthy homes with a focus on lead remediation and providing comprehensive homeownership counseling for low- and moderate-income families. The organization’s results include the creation of 109 new affordable housing units, 650 lead-safe apartments, and assisting 365 families achieve home ownership.
BNT … HA! I need to start a company and take 40% off the top for administration too then use the remaining money to build poor quality structures that meet barely minimum standards of quality. smh
I think I may just check this out, a good buddy of mine is involved with this production.