Helping Neighbors Help Themselves

Nearly 20 family members, close friends and I started the Sullivan Family Fund in 1990 in memory of my mother and father.

My wife, Lyn, and I learned from our parents the importance of sharing your good fortune with those who aren’t as fortunate. We taught that same lesson to our children. We also taught them personal responsibility, and to not rely on others to solve their problems.

Each year, our family and friends make gifts to the fund, and we engage in serious discussions about our giving. Although we’re spread across America, we appreciate our origins in the Greater Bridgeport area. We give to Bridgeport nonprofits that help people help themselves.

Our daughter-in-law’s mother and our neighbor, Gioia Riccio, makes her charitable giving with the Frank J. Riccio, MD Fund, established in 2006 in memory of her husband. She’s been a lifelong volunteer in Bridgeport, starting in the St. Vincent’s Medical Center pediatric unit when she was in college. She’s served on numerous boards of community organizations, including St. Vincent’s and the University of Bridgeport.

We believe that giving back to our community is a responsibility—and a privilege. The Fairfield County Community Foundation helps us build a better future by investing in our community.

Photo Caption: Fundholder David Sullivan, Jr., left, is a life-long resident of Fairfield and Bridgeport, he is joined, from left, by his wife, Lynn, son David Sullivan III, gradnson timothy Sullivan, Gioia F. Riccio, granddaughter Francesca Sullivan, and daughter-in-law Dr. Gioia J. Riccio.