The Morris Wessel Fund of the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is seeking nominations for its annual prize recognizing “unsung heroes” creatively and compassionately serving New Haven area families.

Established by patients, colleagues, and “fellow travelers” to honor the work of Dr. Morris Wessel upon his retirement from pediatric practice, the fund sponsors a recognition event for its recipients and provides an investment up to $2000 in groups and individuals nurturing the area’s families.

“We see this as a way of supporting the often-hidden hard work done by people in our community day in and day out,” explained Dr. Wessel from his Westville home. “We look to recognize the people who aren’t typically seen on television or featured in the newspaper, but provide vital, ongoing support for families in our community.”

Past recipients of the Wessel Prize include St Martin de Porres Academy, Bikes for Babes, Grandparents on the Move, the Connecticut Health Policy Project, Al Shakir and the Mob Squad, The Natural Guard, David Clough and the Inner City Bicycle Program, The Cesar Jerez Catholic Worker House, and Anne Gallant and Leg Up.

“People contributed anywhere from a dollar to $5000 to build this fund,” explained Dr. Wessel. “Most meaningful to me were those one-dollar contributions. It’s the spirit behind that kind of faith and commitment that we look to celebrate in the groups we honor.”

Nominations are due January 31, 2010. Letters of Nomination should describe the group or individual being nominated, how the nominee creatively and compassionately serves New Haven area families, contact information for the group, and contact information for the nominator. Nominations should be sent to Dr. Morris Wessel, 61 Elmwood Road, New Haven, CT 06515 or emailed to WesselFund@att.net.

For more information:
Morris Wessel
203-387-4604