Life is about choices. Sometimes our choices are difficult and sometimes it can be as simple as where you prefer to shop or bank or where you might want to work. Companies that make giving back part of their internal culture use the collective power of people and passion to affect positive impact.
CINGARI FAMILY MARKETS
Since 1929, the Cingari Family Markets have been dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact on the communities they serve in southwestern Connecticut.
Through the efforts of employee volunteers and a charitable foundation, they strive to create a cleaner, greener future while supporting the local organizations and initiatives that matter most to our community.
Key Contributions:
Community Support: Over the years, the Cingari Family ShopRite Foundation has donated more than $5 million to local organizations, including vital food donations to soup kitchens, pantries, like the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County as well as shelters, and senior centers.
Healthcare Contributions: They support local healthcare institutions, with significant monetary gifts to Stamford Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, and the Cingari Family Boutique at Smilow Cancer Hospital, helping to provide better care for patients in our region.
Grassroots Giving: They actively engage in grassroots initiatives, offering support to local schools, sports teams, and other community projects. This local involvement reflects a commitment to making a difference in the everyday lives of their customers.
Environmental Stewardship: Their efforts toward a cleaner, greener future include implementing energy-efficient refrigeration across all store locations and diverting approximately 12,000 tons of unsold food per year for composting or animal feed. Additionally, the Green Team associates volunteer in local environmental projects, such as beach cleanups and landscaping efforts, to further the commitment to sustainability.
PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL
Stamford-headquartered Philip Morris International (PMI) works to be good neighbors where they live and work. The PMI corporate social responsibility team looks to support existing community organizations with a great track record in service to others and focuses on causes such as those that help military veterans, empower women and that fund hyperlocal solutions.
Since relocating their headquarters to Connecticut in 2022, they’ve invested in the local community with volunteer time and resources, including a record-setting $5 million in the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). For veterans, they sponsored a benefit concert featuring Wyclef Jean in support of Career Resources Inc. and their work helping veterans advance their civilian careers via job training and workforce transition services. PMI also launched HONOR, an employee resource group where employees share and celebrate the many contributions of our military service members and organize volunteer opportunities.
Veterans are a key focus of our efforts both locally and across the country. Nationally, we work closely with organizations like The Bob Woodruff Foundation and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to impact the lives of veterans and their families. Our initiatives include significant contributions to veterans' law clinics at major universities to help make sure vets can access all the benefits they’re entitled to based on their service.
COLUMBUS PARK TRATTORIA
What began as a small family business has now grown to include three very successful restaurants in Fairfield County. The Marchetti family opened Columbus Park Trattoria in Stamford in 1985, followed in 1994 by Osteria Applausi in Old Greenwich and Tarantino Restaurant in Westport.
Michael Marchetti is one of Stamford’s leading business owners and generously donates to so many organizations and people that it’s hard to keep count. Giving back is in their nature. They provide food and sometimes the location for fundraising events. But, it’s not surprising when Michael or a family member or staff show up at the front door bearing trays of food for comfort at difficult times.
The Marchetti’s have been feeding Stamford folks for a long time. This family business is truly one of the best in so many ways. They may not staff as many employees as other companies but they make up for it in the number of people and organizations they support.
local involvement reflects our commitment to making a difference in the everyday lives of our customers.
focused on causes that help veterans, empower women and fund hyperlocal solutions.
Our parents taught us the importance of community and giving back. Food is a powerful way to say we care.