Page 40 - BusinessWest April 18, 2022
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 niture, fixtures, equipment, legal costs, account- ing, and fundraising. Of that, more than $25 mil- lion has already been pledged. Large earmarks included $5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds and $1.6 million from Chicopee’s coffers.
“Mayor [ John] Vieau has repeatedly said how proud he is that the city of Chicopee will become the hub for food insecurity for the four counties of Western Massachusetts,” Morehouse said.
Other sources of funding include a New Mar- ket Tax Credit investment program, which will
“More residents of Western Massachusetts will soon be able
to access nutritious food and supportive services with the construction of this bigger, modern Food Bank.”
raise $4.2 million from investors, as well as sup- port from individuals foundations, and business- es, he explained. “Lastly, the Food Bank will invest the proceeds from the same of our current build- ing to the campaign.”
When MassDevelopment issued a $9.5 mil- lion tax-exempt bond for the project earlier this month, MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera noted that “more residents of Western Massachusetts will soon be able to access nutri-
tious food and supportive services with the construc- tion of this bigger, modern Food Bank. MassDevelop- ment is proud to deliver tax- exempt financing to help the Food Bank of Western Mas- sachusetts fulfill its mission of addressing food insecurity and empowering people to live healthy lives.”
“This is a great project to be a part of,” added Matthew Krokov, first vice president of Commercial Banking at Peo- plesBank, which purchased the bond. “The Food Bank plays a vital role in alleviat- ing food insecurities in our region, and this investment in the Food Bank’s future home will help provide bet- ter access for individuals in our community.”
Food for Thought
The project, like any large
construction project these
days, has run into supply-
chain obstacles that have caused delay and boosted costs, but Morehouse and other stake- holders finally see it coming into focus — and not a moment too soon for an organization that provided 11.6 million meals in 2021, reaching an average of 103,000 individuals per month.
“We are excited the Food Bank of Western Mass. has chosen the Chicopee River Business
     Andrew Morehouse says moving food — tens of thousands of pounds of it a day — in and out of the Food Bank’s headquarters will be much more efficient in the new facility.
  Park to relocate their operations and headquar- ters,” Vieau said. “I can think of no better place in terms of access, efficiency, and accessibility than right here in Chicopee, at the crossroads of New England.” u
Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]
  Daniel McKellick is on the board for the Cutchins Programs for Children & Families, Inc., and is Vice President on the board for the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
Michael Katz is a 40+ year member and past President of the Jimmy Fund Council of Western MA and CT. Bacon Wilson has been a long- time supporter of cancer research, including the Chefs for Jimmy event, founded and co-chaired by Michael. The event has raised more than $2 million from its annual food-tasting event.
Stephen Krevalin is a Board Member of the Clark School; President of Congregation Kodimoh; Chair of JGS Lifecare; Naismith Hall of Fame, Jewish Endowment Fund, Ronald McDonald House – Honorary Chair
Jonathan A. Breton is a Trustee for the Boys and Girls Club of West Springfield
Christopher Pierson is on the board of Longmeadow Little League and has coached Little League—spring/ summer/fall for nine seasons.
Hyman Darling is currently on the Greenwood Park (disability programs) and Jewish Family Service boards. He was also honored with the Pioneer Valley Distinguished Advisor in Philanthropy award in 2019.
Melissa Gillis is a Trustee for Elms College, and also Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee and member of the Executive Committee.
Donna Wexler is on the board of the Hartsprings Foundation and past Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County.
Leaders in Our Community
Kenneth Albano, Managing Partner
Ken has been a Member of the Board of Directors of Behavioral Health Network, Inc. (BHN) for over 30 years and has seen BHN grow from a very small local agency to a non-profit organization with over 2,000 employees providing valued mental health services to our region.
Ken is also proud to be involved with these organizations:
• Charitable Leadership Award, March of Dimes, 2011
• Chair, Board of Directors, March of Dimes, Western MA Division • Board of Directors, March of Dimes, New England Chapter
• Make A Wish, Annual Golf Tournament Committee Member
  SPRINGFIELD | AMHERST | HADLEY | NORTHAMPTON | WESTFIELD 413.781.0560 • BaconWilson.com
 40 APRIL 18, 2022
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