Montgomery Business Association Donates Teddy Bears to Township Police Department

Nicholas Mistretta

MBA leaders also highlight membership growth, community partnerships and support for local business initiatives

MONTGOMERY — The Montgomery Business Association presented 50 teddy bears to the Montgomery Township Police Department during the July 16 Township Committee meeting, part of a new initiative intended to help officers comfort children during stressful or traumatic situations.

Tigers Tale Owner and MBA President, Cory Wingerter, appeared before the committee with fellow board members Tracy Sonner, Barbara Preston and Roberto Rivera. Wingerter said the presentation was also an opportunity to update township officials and residents on the association’s growth and community efforts.

“The Montgomery Business Association is not just a networking organization,” Wingerter said. “Our mission is simple: to strengthen Montgomery’s business community, encourage residents to shop locally, and build partnerships that benefit our businesses, our residents, and our township.”

According to Wingerter, the MBA has grown significantly in recent years. Two years ago, the organization had 85 members. Today, it has more than 125, with additional growth expected as Montgomery Promenade opens and brings new businesses into the township.

Rivera spoke about the MBA’s broader community partnerships, including outreach to the Montgomery High School Future Business Leaders of America chapter. He said the effort is intended to introduce students to local businesses while encouraging future workforce development and entrepreneurship.

Rivera also noted the association’s relationship with the Montgomery-Rocky Hill Rotary Club and other nonprofit organizations, saying those partnerships allow local businesses to support the organizations that help strengthen the community.

Sonner, a Montgomery resident and local real estate agent, then introduced the teddy bear donation.

On behalf of the MBA, Sonner said the organization was donating 50 teddy bears to the police department to be kept in patrol vehicles and used by officers responding to incidents involving children.

“Whether it’s an accident, domestic situation or another stressful event, sometimes something as simple as a teddy bear can help comfort a frightened child and provide a small sense of security during an otherwise overwhelming experience,” Sonner said.

Sonner said similar programs have been implemented in communities across the country and described the donation as a simple but meaningful way for local businesses to support both the police department and the families officers serve.

The teddy bears were presented to members of the Montgomery Township Police Department, including Lieutenants Sullivan, Larsen and Perry.

Sonner thanked Police Chief Silvio Bet and the department for their work in the community and said the donation reflects the MBA’s larger mission.

“This initiative reflects what the MBA is all about — local businesses coming together to support the people who live, work and grow here,” Sonner said.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com