Wheeler Honors Donors for Their Philanthropy and Leadership
Hands & Hearts Appreciation Awards Presented at Virtual Event, December 17
BRISTOL, Conn. (December 29, 2025) – Wheeler recently honored four donors for outstanding support of its mission at the organization’s 15th Annual Hands & Hearts event, held virtually, on December 17. The Hands & Hearts recipients this year were: Amazon BDL3, Americold Logistics LLC, Mott Corporation, a unit of IDEX Corporation, and Mary Rodier, CPA.
Wheeler’s Hands & Hearts event recognizes individuals and families, corporations, and foundations for helping Wheeler to provide equitable access to innovative care that improves health, recovery, and growth at all stages of life. Wheeler has recognized more than 105 philanthropists since the inception of this event.
“Without the help of everyone we’re recognizing today, and all of our donors, we would not be able to meet the needs of the nearly 70,000 individuals we serve annually,” said Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, president and CEO, Wheeler. “Our donors and friends are vital to the work we do and help sustain our ability to serve vulnerable, underserved individuals in communities across Connecticut.”
The 2025 Hands & Hearts Appreciation Award recipients are:
Amazon BDL3
In the last two years, Amazon BDL3 in North Haven has donated six pallets of toys for patients and families, valued at more than $28,000 in donated inventory. This year, Wheeler experienced a dramatic increase in requests, and this organization donated an two extra pallets of toys.
Americold Logistics LLC
For the last three years, Americold Logistics LLC, a Plainville-based 700,000-square-foot food cold storage facility serving all Stop and Shop supermarkets, have helped fill holiday requests for children in Wheeler’s care and supported Wheeler’s Basic Needs Fund. This company also has participated with Wheeler at local community events, including the Rockwell Park Summer Festival in Bristol and Bristol Mum Festival Parade.
Mott Corporation, a Division of IDEX Corporation
From foster care to basic needs and community health worker support, and more, Mott and IDEX are tireless advocates for everyone served by Wheeler.
Over the last year, Mott’s Health Ambassadors have assisted at our New Britain Family Health & Wellness Center biweekly mobile pantry events with Connecticut Foodshare and Read to Grow Connecticut. They also annually support our holiday toy drive, fulfilling more than 150 gifts for Foster Care.
In December of this year, executive leadership from Mott and its parent company, IDEX, stuffed 1,000 personal care bags, wrote holiday cards, and helped to inventory Amazon toys. Every year, they send volunteers for the CT NAMI Walk, and this year, sent 15 volunteers for Wheeler’s United Way Day of Caring. These amazing ambassadors also participate in other annual events, including the Rockwell Park Family Festival and Mum Parade in Bristol, Wheeler’s Annual Golf Classic, and events focused on recovery.
Mary Rodier, CPA
A Wheeler Trustee for 10 years, Mary served as chair from 2022 through 2025. During this time, she guided Wheeler’s board through the Hope Street capital plan and opening of the Family Health & Wellness Center at One Hope Street in 2024. She also led significant growth in health center services.
Under Mary’s leadership, Wheeler saw the addition of another mobile Family Health & Wellness Center, renovation of Wheeler’s Waterbury Family Health & Wellness Center, and continued expansion/diversification of the Wheeler Board of Trustees.
Mary was a Leadership donor for the Hope Street building, and she continues to be a strong supporter of Wheeler’s Basic Needs Fund. Mary left the Wheeler board in September at the conclusion of the maximum number of terms served and is a remarkable advocate for Wheeler’s work and mission.
Wheeler
Wheeler provides comprehensive solutions that address complex health issues, providing individuals, families, and communities with accessible, innovative care that encourages recovery, health, and growth at all stages of life. Our integrated approach to primary and behavioral health, education, and recovery creates measurable results, positive outcomes, and hopeful tomorrows for nearly 70,0000 individuals across Connecticut each year. Learn more: www.WheelerHealth.org