August 11, 2011

REP. GENGA ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP IN MEMORY OF FRANK BENETTIERI
Business Owner, Sportsman and Philanthropist Honored

A sports and academic scholarship in the name of Frank Benettieri, who died of cancer in May, is being created to honor the East Hartford business owner, Rep. Henry Genga (D-East Hartford) announced Thursday.

“Frank has left a legacy of volunteerism and generosity, especially in raising money for decades for children with cancer,” Genga said. “He was an inspiration for all and it’s only fitting that we create a scholarship in his name.”

Genga said a committee of the Willow Inn Hot Stove League, which meets every Tuesday morning at Benettieri’s Willow Inn restaurant on Main Street, East Hartford, decided recently to establish the scholarship to honor the businessman, sportsman and philanthropist. Genga, the chairman, said the committee is composed of athletes, coaches, politicians, friends and relatives.

“Frank was a big supporter of the Jimmy Fund and would frequently recruit his best friend, Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams, to help raise money,” Genga said. “Ted Williams would travel to East Hartford to assist Frank in raising tens of thousands of dollars for the Jimmy Fund, part of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.”

Genga said people who want to donate to the scholarship fund may send a check or other contribution to East Hartford Public Schools, 1110 Main St. East Hartford, CT 06108.

Donors should write Benettieri Scholarship Fund in the memo area of checks and on the envelope. Checks should be made out to East Hartford Public Schools, Genga said.

Anyone interested in more information may contact Scott Gray, sports commentator for WTIC-1080 radio in Hartford, at 10 Executive Drive, Farmington, CT 06032. Gray’s email is Scott.Gray@cbsradio.com. Gray is a charter member of the committee. Information also may be obtained by calling Genga at 860-568-6395.