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PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: Allison Keck Event and Communications Coordinator Center for Hospice Care 860.848.5699 akeck@hospicesect.org DATE: January 3, 2019 TITLE: Wireless Zone Donates $82,500 to local charities in Connecticut and Rhode Island Norwich, CT: Locally owned and family operated, the Seven Wireless Zone – Verizon Premium Wireless Retailers, nominated multiple non-profit organizations in Rhode Island and Connecticut to receive grants from the Wireless Zone Foundation in 2018. Owners Don Sommers, Dave Moone, Scott Gladstone and Neil Ryan select several local charities in their territories who go above and beyond to impact the people in need in the community. In addition to their personal store contributions to local charities, five Rhode Island non-profit organizations were selected as Wireless Zone Foundation grant recipients in 2018 and twelve in Connecticut. The following non-profit organizations were awarded Wireless Zone Foundation grants: Channel 3 Kids Camp, Center for Hospice Care, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Jewish Federation of Eastern CT, Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, Waterford Country School, Windham Hospital Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State, Frank Olean Center, Jonnycake Center of Westerly, Operation Stand Down and Substance use and Mental Health Leadership Council of RI. Each recipient organization receives $5,500. The Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving® Inc., established in 2003, supports research and community outreach for both local and national nonprofit organizations. The Foundation provides a basic structure for the collaborative giving program and enhances the individual stores’ ability to be able to commit to helping their communities. The locations that nominated the charities above were Wakefield, North Kingstown, Warwick, Cranston, Providence, Cumberland and Westerly, Groton, New London, North Windham, Glastonbury, Putnam and Killingly. “Words cannot express how grateful we are for this donation and the continued support of the Wireless Zone and our local store owners Neil Ryan and Scott Gladstone,” said Carol Mahier, RN, MSN, President/CEO of Center for Hospice Care. “We couldn’t do the work we do in the community without the support of partners like Wireless Zone,” said Mahier. Scott Gladstone and Neil Ryan celebrated 25 years of success as prominent small business owners in 2018. Previously, they were inducted into the Wireless Zone Hall of Fame for two decades of outstanding customer service, their unsurpassed growth in the industry and their unwavering commitment to the community. They have also received the Alumni Achievement Award from their Alma Mater, Keene State College. The award is bestowed to an individual(s) whose professional achievement in his/her chosen field brings honor to the recipient(s), as well as to the college. They were also the 2016 Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the year. Dave Moone and Don Sommers have been owners in the Wireless Zone system for over 20 years each. They have won numerous sales awards and are very active in their communities with local charities. Last August they handed out over 2.000 back packs for their annual back pack give away, giving back packs filled with School supplies to any child that asked for one. Wireless Zone is the nation’s leading independent Verizon Wireless franchise, offering the latest and greatest in products, services and accessories, as well as repair services. Wireless Zone is open seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Wireless Zone encourages all nonprofit organizations to reach out and inquire regarding potential assistance in the future. Pictured (L-R): Elena French Assistant Director of Development Waterford Country School, Julianna Velazquez Director of Development & Community Support Waterford Country School, Sara Qua Development Director High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Scott Gladstone Wireless Zone, Kitty Stalsburg Executive Director High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Marcia Reinhard Assistant Director Jewish Federation of Eastern CT, Bill Stanley Vice President Development & Community Relations Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, Caitlin Briody Community Engagement Specialist United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, Jerry Fischer Executive Director Jewish Federation of Eastern CT, Neil Ryan Wireless Zone and Allison Keck Event & Communications Coordinator Center for Hospice Care Southeastern Connecticut. About Center for Hospice Care For over 32 years, Center for Hospice Care has been providing outstanding hospice and palliative care in Eastern Connecticut. As the region’s only community-based non-profit provider, Center for Hospice Care has served more than 12,500 patients. It has also provided bereavement counseling services free of charge to thousands of family members and loved ones, even to those whose loved one was not on our program. Center for Hospice Care is committed to providing a complete circle of care that optimizes quality of life for its patients and families.