Chuck Bowe has raised over $50k in past 7 years

By KATHLEEN EDGECOMB

Grand Wine and Spirits, a faithful supporter of the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, continued its dedication this year and raised more than $9,000 during its fall breast cancer awareness fundraising campaign.

On Tuesday, Dec. 11, Chuck Bowe, owner of Grand Wine and Spirits, presented a check to Sandy Maniscalco, co-founder of TBBCF, and Deb Gillig, TBBCF events and promotions coordinator.

Every year from mid-September through October, the five Grand Wine and Spirits stores in the region are lit up in pink tags with donations being made to TBBCF with the purchase of many brands of wines, beers and liquors.

Since 2011, Grand Wine and Spirits has raised more than $50,000 for TBBCF through their breast cancer awareness month campaigns and other seasonal promotions.

The company also has been a Sapphire Sponsor for the past three years.

The $9,000 raised during this year’s breast cancer awareness campaign directly supports breast cancer research. The $1,000 Sapphire sponsorship helps the foundation underwrite expenses.

 While all the fundraising money from the annual Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut and October events and promotions goes directly to grants for breast cancer research, it is sponsor donations that allows the foundation to operate.

Amanda Latham, marketing and merchandising coordinator for Grand Wine and Spirits, said last fall that her boss likes to support the community. In addition to donating to TBBCF, he gives to the Children & Family Agency and Work Vessels for Vets.

The nearly 100 employees of Grand Wine and Spirits also give to TBBCF. In addition to selling alcohol, they offered bracelets at the register for a donation, and some participated in TBBCF’s annual Walk Across Southeastern CT marathon.

The workers look forward to October, Latham said.

“Donating to charities like Terri Brodeur, that gives 100 percent to research, our employees love that,” said Latham. “They feel good knowing it’s a good charity.”

Grand Wine and Spirit shops are located in Mystic, Waterford, Old Lyme and two in Groton – one near Stop & Shop and the other near Big Y.