Charitable gift annuity allows Hanzaleks to receive income and achieve philanthropic goals

Astrid and Fred Hanzalak

Astrid Hanzalek, of Suffield, spent a decade serving the community as a state representative. When Astrid began working with high school students to deepen their understanding of the legislative process, she was surprised to find that they knew far less than she expected. Astrid’s husband, Fred, was also surprised, having been involved in government as a volunteer lobbyist for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

“The strength of our democracy requires public participation and we realized that we could greatly benefit our community by helping others understand and become involved in the legislative process,” said Astrid.

So, the Hanzaleks turned to the Hartford Foundation for help.

“We were very familiar with the good work of the Hartford Foundation through our involvement with area nonprofits,” explained Fred.

A retired engineer, Fred volunteers with the Service Corps of Retired Executives, and Astrid is active with Riverfront Recapture, Connecticut Landmarks, Connecticut River Watershed Council, and Charter Oak State College as its recently-named chairman of the board for state academic awards.

In 2007, the Hazaleks donated gifts of securities to establish two charitable gift annuities. After their lives, the charitable gift annuities, along with a previous gift, will establish the Frederick J. and Astrid T. Hanzalek Fund, a field of interest fund that will support activities that encourage civic awareness and involvement in the governmental process.