Since 1962, Glastonbury Arts has worked to foster engagement in and appreciation for art in all its forms through exhibitions and classroom instruction, lectures and demonstrations, special events, art scholarships, and mentoring.
In an effort to build on its decades of bringing the arts to town residents, Glastonbury Arts has received a $25,000 grant from the Norma and Natale Sestero Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. This grant will allow the organization to meet its three strategic goals including an expansion of Glastonbury Arts’ education program for adults, teens, and children; support for the Got Arts series of artist lectures and demonstrations; and support of the Executive Director’s financial management, development management, and art programming functions.
Founded in 2008, The Glastonbury River Runners promote running for camaraderie, health, and competition for runners of all ages and abilities. The organization provides a supportive, friendly environment that encourages every participant to reach their personal best.
Thanks to a $3,500 grant from Sestero Fund, the River Runners will be offering two running training programs for residents focused on health and physical wellness, and building relationships. The first program “Get Ready To Run” will meet two times per week over 10 weeks, twice per year, and is open to all pace levels. The second program “Rising Stars” is a non-competitive program developed to encourage youth ages 4 – 13 to keep active, encourage them to explore what they are capable of achieving, and show them that running can be fun.
“We are truly grateful for this support from the Sestero Fund at the Hartford Foundation,” said Glastonbury River Runners Executive Director Jason Marshall. “This funding will help us establish both our Rising Stars and Get Ready to Run program in significant ways. While we have always done our best to work with the community at large and make a difference, it has been a challenge to identify the best way to achieve that goal. Our programs have evolved to not only help our runners achieve their goals but provide us with a vehicle for greater community impact.”
Glastonbury Arts and The Glastonbury River Runners are two of 17 nonprofits serving Glastonbury residents receiving nearly $220,000 through the Sestero Fund. The Sesteros were longtime residents of Glastonbury who established the fund through their charitable remainder trusts. Their fund supports organizations that benefit people and institutions in Glastonbury in the areas of culture, health, education, social welfare, and the environment, including town beautification and preservation of heritage.