02/13/2026
Jonathan Larabee (right), President of the Clear Automotive Group, which operates Vernon Chevrolet, Manchester Mazda, and Manchester Honda, along with Sarah Fryxell (left), President of the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Assoc (CARA) presents a grant to, Shannon Baldassario(center), CEO of Manchester Area Conference of Churches (MACC). The check presentation was held at Vernon Chevrolet.
Every year, CARA and its Foundation issue grants to support local non-profits on behalf of its dealer members. Since its inception in 1987, The Foundation has granted over $1.1 million dollars to worthy organizations throughout the state of Connecticut. The Foundation’s mission is to award grants to nonprofit organizations that are based in Connecticut and that serve community needs primarily in the areas of education, culture, the arts, the needy and the homeless through sponsorship of special programs and projects that enhance the quality of life in our state.
“This year marks our 10th year supporting MACC through the Foundation”, said Larabee. “and this grant cannot come at a better time. With all the recent disruption in funding, this organization is under tremendous pressure to do more with less. The work they do in our community is truly amazing.”
The Manchester Area Conference of Churches, Inc. provides direct support and assistance for basic emergency needs not met by other organizations in our area. We motivate and empower individuals with the skills necessary to break cycles of poverty and enrich the lives of those we serve. MACC has been serving the community for over 50 years. Our Community Kitchen offers a nutritionally balanced noontime meal six (6) days a week with five (5) prescheduled Sundays throughout the year. We never close for holidays or inclement weather. Providing continuous or one-time assistance in our Emergency Food Pantry department to residents who qualify at or below the state median income guidelines. Our Community Outreach and Emergency Services department works directly with residents who need emergency support with housing, utilities, clothing, those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, or any other basic emergency need not being met. Our Community Threads Thrift Shoppe offers a low to no-cost service to anyone in need. We will provide practical assistance to any Manchester or Bolton resident in need to navigate an often complex network of agencies, services, and programs.
