The ’s Executive Director Edward F. Peltier is pleased to announce a leadership gift of $100,000 from The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. to the Foundations for the Future Bicentennial Campaign.
Liam E. McGee, chairman, president and CEO of The Hartford, serves as Honorary Chair of the campaign. “ASD and The Hartford were founded within a few years of each other in the early 1800s and share a commitment to help people of all abilities live full, productive lives, “ said McGee. “The Hartford is proud to support the building of a state-of-the-art educational facility and ASD’s dedication to developing the minds and enhancing the quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.”
The Hartford’s gift will be used for a state-of-the-art Audiological Suite in the new 62,000 square foot facility currently being built on the main campus. The American School for the Deaf has been providing audiological services to deaf and hard of hearing children since its founding in 1817. Infants and young children participating in ASD’s statewide Birth-to-Three Program, children in a number of public school systems throughout the state, as well as the approximately 200 full-time ASD students, benefit from these services.
John Patrick, chairman, president and CEO of Farmington Bank, and Chair of the campaign is very appreciative of this leadership gift saying, “The Foundations for the Future Campaign has strong momentum and we have been pleased by the level of support from the community. I am pleased to serve as the chairman of the campaign and am confident that with continued generosity we will raise the financial resources to allow ASD to be on solid financial footing as it looks ahead to its bicentennial.”
“ASD is the oldest school for special education in the Western Hemisphere, with a long and distinguished history of educating children and adults,” added Edward Peltier. “It is important we embrace our heritage and the best way we can do that is by ensuring our children have a state-of-the-art educational facility that will serve well into the future.”
“On behalf of Board of Directors, I am grateful that John Patrick and Liam McGee have been so generous in offering their support and time to help ASD with this vital campaign,” said David W. Carter, board president. “As recognized business leaders, their initiative and drive have been vital in getting us off to a solid start and giving us much needed visibility in the community. They understand the important work the school does and the special place it holds in deaf education nationally and internationally. Our benefactors are responding to the tangible results we are having on children, our unparalleled history and our sound financial standing as a non-profit.”
The Foundations for the Future Campaign will be completed in time for ASD’s 200th anniversary in 2017.
