GNHTD Foundation Launches "IT MAKES CENTS"

    NEW HAVEN, CT, August 09, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Have you ever wondered whether 40 could truly make a difference to anyone? The answer unequivocally is yes! To the thousands of riders of the Greater New Haven Transit District, which provides over 123,000 rides a year to seniors and people with disabilities within the Greater New Haven landscape, the 40 per ride increase has led to worry and concern for this population that truly has been underrepresented in the past. This increase creates a hardship for some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community.

Today a resolution to address the immediate concern is in hand. The Greater New Haven Transit District (GNHTD), recognizing the burgeoning population that they served, began planning almost two years ago to be able to act rather than react when a need arose for the population they serve. GNHTD formed the GNHTD FOUNDATION, an independent 501c3 whose mission is to support the GNHTD and its riders.

"With major outreach and an overwhelming positive response from the community at large, the "IT MAKES CENTS" fundraising campaign was developed and is still evolving. In terms of a rollback of fares, once the goal of raising $49,352.00 has been realized (which we hope will be only a matter of a month or two), the fares will be rolled back to $2.60 per ride," stated Donna Carter, Executive Director, Greater New Haven Transit District.

"It Makes Cents' to help our seniors and friends and neighbors with disabilities to live with dignity, without having to worry about the extra cost of a shopping trip or trip to the doctor," said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3). "The services provided by the GNHTD are so important for the quality of life for our seniors. Let us all do what we can to help our seniors and people with disabilities in need use programs like MyRide."

The first supporters in the business community of "IT MAKES CENTS" are Brazi's restaurant and Liberty Bank. Each business in its own way will be creating a grassroots campaign to collect funds to donate to this cause.

Brazi's Restaurant will be donating 40 per meal served during the fourth week in August. "It is our honor to be one of the first supporters of the GNHTD Foundation's IT MAKES CENTS initiative. Giving back to the community is an important part of the philosophy at Brazi's. We are delighted that we can help in a meaningful way to show our support for seniors and people with disabilities in the Greater New Haven area," stated Valerio Capobianco, Owner, Brazi's Restaurant, New Haven, CT.

Liberty Bank branches in GNHTD's service area will be collecting money for four weeks beginning today. "It's amazing to think that your pocket change could actually make a difference for someone," said Christina Maillet, Central South Market Manager for Liberty Bank. "We're proud to support this campaign to lighten the load for transit riders who are struggling to make ends meet." She noted that donations will be collected at Liberty Bank branches located in Amity, Branford, Cheshire, Madison, New Haven, North Haven, and Wallingford.

When reflecting on this initiative, Senator Richard Blumenthal stated "Access to safe, reliable and affordable transportation is a fundamental need, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities. I applaud the Greater New Haven Transit District Foundation, Brazi's and Liberty Bank for this creative effort to help offset the upcoming fare increase and to keep this vital asset affordable for all."

In conclusion, "The "It Makes Cents" campaign is a phenomenal demonstration of the GNHTD Foundation's profound commitment to serving the local community. This fund will enable so many riders to continue to enjoy New Haven's transportation services, and I'm proud to support their work," stated CT Senator Chris Murphy.

For more information about how you can help, go to www.gnhtdfoundation.org.

The mission of the GNHTD Foundation is to enhance the lives and educate the population served by the Greater New Haven Transit District; to help our riders maintain their independence and dignity and to provide ongoing support to the GNHTD.

The GNHTD Foundation will reach out and involve to the community for their support in our attempt to educate our riders and the population we serve on ways that they can stay healthy; learn; handle their finances and legal matters; live better; save money and become aware of the opportunities that our community offers while riding our vehicles.

www.gnhtdfoundation.org

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