Local Architects Help the Hungry

The Middletown based Bianco Giolitto Weston Architects team is at it again! The firm is teaming up with Bielefield Elementary School to participate in the Fifth Annual CAN-Struction event at the Hartford Convention Center on April 25th.  Architectural firms team up with students  to design a sculpture made out of cans of food and learn about nutrition. Contributions from locals have helped the team  win a national award for “Best Meal” in 2006 and a local award for “Juror’s Favorite” in 2007. The BGW team asks people to consider making a difference again this year! This year the competition is scheduled to take place at the Hartford Expo Center on April 25^th. All sculptures will be on display for approximately 1 week after the build date and the exhibit is open to the public free of charge.

This year, due to the economy, it is critical this event bring in an even greater volume of food: this is vital for feeding the increased number of people going without food. Because of the increase in numbers of those in need that food banks are experiencing, it is crucial that the BGW team find adequate sponsorship for the project to continue. Food banks are suffering even more with the recession taking place. The deadline to receive monetary donations by is April 15th. New this year: The BGW Canstruction team is  accepting gift certificate donations to be raffled off, proceeds of which will go to can purchases. 

Advertisements for  businesses may be purchased as well starting at $25 - $200, depending on size & prominence.  Logos for  sponsors will be featured on our 3‘ x 4’ display boards accompanying the sculpture and displayed through the public viewing. The BGW teams says it i also tends to be very generous in praising their sponsors in any interviews they might get!

The BGW Canstruction team will be holding a Can Drive from 10-2 on March 28th at the Stop & Shop in Cromwell.There will be a fundraiser at Coldstone Creamery (Riverview Plaza off of Main, Middletown) – Ice Cream Social Night- raffle fundraiser for Canstruction- many gift certificates to be raffled!  Architect Jeff Bianco and Mayor Giuliano as well as many Bielefield faculty will be scooping that night.   Coldstone :March 31 -6-9 pm

Currently Raffled Prizes are: 1. Kidcity Gift Certificate 2.  Passes to A New World Laser Tag 3. $50 Gift Certificate from Malloves Jewerly Raffled tickets are : 1$ or 15 for $10. They can be purchased from firm members, at the Bielefield parent teacher conferences, or at the Can Drive March 28th. Emailing one of the contacts can also get you some tickets.

The BGW & Bielefield Team will also be appearing on the TV show “Better Connecticut” on March 31 9:30 am WFSB Channel 3. Stay tuned!

Please feel free to contact either Molly Salafia (msalafia@bgwarchitects.com) or Chris Speeg (cspeeg@bgwarchitects.com)  for info . Any monetary donations will aid  in purchasing cans that will help fill local food banks after the design/build competition is completed. Each firm participating gets a portion cans donated to their respective town. This means Amazing Grace Food pantry will be receiving a large number of cans this year. Last year BGW contributed 8,000 canned items ! The sculpture pictured above is 8 feet tall  in a 10 foot by 10 foot square. The BGW Canstruction team would like to express its gratitude in advance!