Foundation's CEO, Board Chairman Honored With Philanthropy Awards

Two officials serving with a local philanthropic foundation were honored recently for their dedication to serving others in Berlin, Plainville, Southington and New Britain.

Just in time for National Philanthropy Day, David Obedzinski, president, and Art Schaller Jr., board chairman of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain have both been selected as award recipients recognizing their work in the field.

National Philanthropy Day, Nov, 15, is a day to recognize the people who are active in the philanthropic community.

Established in 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is “Where Good Begins” in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington.

The foundation works to inspire philanthropy, responsibly manage permanent charitable assets, and partner to address key community issues.

Schaller Jr. received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from The Connecticut Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

The award honors an individual or family with a proven record of generosity who, through the direct financial support, demonstrates outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles.

“My father and his father before him made giving back to the local community an important part of the way we do business. I am merely carrying on what prior generations of the Schaller family had set in our company’s foundation,” Schaller said.

“I am so grateful that the folks at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain considered my efforts worthy of the nomination and I am also grateful to the folks on the committee for selecting me for this honor.”

Obedzinski was awarded the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Greater New Britain Chamber of Commerce.

Each year, the chamber presents awards to those local businesses and business leaders who have distinguished themselves in the community.

Award recipients are nominated by Greater New Britain Chamber members, considered by the Chamber’s events committee, and approved by the board of directors.

“I’m incredibly honored to be selected as the recipient of this award,” Obedzinski said. “The foundation works diligently to Connect People Who Care with Causes That Matter in our four-town community, and I have the pleasure of leading a great team of employees, volunteers, and donors. Without them, we wouldn’t be here.”

For more information, visit www.cfgnb.org.