The Village’s 200th birthday in 2009 marks a significant milestone in a long history of service to greater Hartford’s children and families, and we’re proud of all we’ve accomplished over the years. We enter our bicentennial year with a positive outlook and many assets. We have new senior management who bring a fresh perspective to the agency. Our dedicated Board members represent Hartford’s corporate and academic worlds, its communities, and the city. Together, Village staff and Board have renewed their enthusiasm for tackling the many challenges facing Hartford residents, and we have lots of great ideas and a solid plan about how to make them a reality. As part of our plan, we are celebrating the launch of our very first major fundraising campaign—the Champions for Children Bicentennial Campaign.  This initiative will give individuals, businesses, and foundations the chance to change the lives of Hartford children and their families by financially supporting the Village as it moves toward a new, integrated system of care model.

The Village’s three-year, $5 million fundraising campaign was publicly “launched” on September 27, 2008 at the Champions for Children Bicentennial Celebration held at the Connecticut Convention Center. The event was attended by 460 corporate representatives and individuals from the greater Hartford region, and generated $95,000 in net revenue toward the overall campaign goal. The campaign will provide funding for the 1680 campus residential house renovations, the Village’s early childhood initiative and Academy for Successful Families, and existing Village programs and services.  Mr. Chuck Clarke Vice Chair for Travelers and the Honorary Chair surprised the audience with the announcement of a 3-year pledge to the Village from Travelers in the amount of $250,000.   We invite you to view the Gala Celebration photo gallery.

If you have the means and the heart to reach out to children in need, please read more about our campaign and consider making a gift to the Village.