Bear's BBQ Will Raise Funds at Hartford Marathon
The restaurant chain aims to collect $50,000 for mental health training at the upcoming October 10 event.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Bear's BBQ is participating in the October 10 Hartford Marathon to raise $50,000 for mental health staff training. The initiative will provide Connecticut restaurant employees with resources to recognize mental health warning signs.
Why it matters
The program addresses a critical need for mental health support in the hospitality industry by equipping staff with the tools to identify and address warning signs. This effort aims to reduce stigma while providing a structured pathway to professional mental health resources.
Bear's BBQ set a target of $50,000 for mental health training programs, contributing to the broader Hartford Marathon Foundation goal which has seen $9.5 million raised over the past two decades.
The players
Bear's BBQ
This restaurant group is an official charity partner of the Hartford Marathon.
Hartford Marathon Foundation
The organization has been responsible for coordinating marathon events and raising over $9.5 million for local community initiatives.
Cheryl Antoncic Seuss
She is a participant running in the half marathon event to commemorate her 50th birthday.
The details
Staff across Connecticut will undergo training focused on education and connecting employees to mental health services. Cheryl Antoncic Seuss is also participating in the effort by running a half marathon to celebrate her 50th birthday.
Timeline
The marathon will take place on October 10, 2026.
This report was published on September 28, 2026.
Market Landscape
This campaign follows the long-standing model of corporate-community partnerships established by the Hartford Marathon Foundation's two-decade fundraising history. Such initiatives allow local businesses to leverage major public events to drive meaningful corporate social responsibility goals.
Restaurant patrons in Connecticut can expect to see increased mental health resources and training integrated into their local dining environments. Those attending the marathon can support the cause directly through the official fundraising initiative.
The takeaway
Businesses looking to support mental health can adopt structured training programs to better assist their workforce. This initiative shows how sporting events serve as a platform for raising significant capital for local health awareness.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by exploring the Philanthropy section.
More information
To register for the event or contribute to the cause, visit the Hartford Marathon sign up page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WFSB.
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Should local businesses prioritize funding mental health training for their employees?
