Bertera Subaru of Hartford is honored to be recognized for our commitment to the community in 2025.
We are honored to be nationally recognized by Subaru of America, Inc. for our dedication to living the Subaru Love Promise.
What is the Subaru Love Promise®?
The Subaru Love Promise® is our vision to show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru. Subaru and our retailers believe every day gives us an opportunity to positively impact the world around us - by how we support each other, our customers, and our community. Together, we are committed to making the world a better place.
What is the Subaru Love Promise Community Commitment?
At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, we believe in being a positive force in our community, not just with donations, but with actions that set an example for others to follow. We aim to make the world a better place through several key initiatives that help support and protect people, pets, and our planet:
How is Bertera Subaru of Hartford dedicated locally to the Love Promise?
Our Love Promise at Bertera Subaru Outlet can be seen in various partnerships with local charities and non-profits in the Hartford area. We're grateful for the opportunity, not only to be a part of the Hartford community, but to serve it as well.
The Simon Foundation
National Wildlife Federation
Hartford Public Library, Hartford Public Schools
Toys 4 Tots, Make-A-Wish of CT
St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center
Love Promise Stories from Bertera Subaru of Hartford
Subaru and Bertera Subaru of Hartford believe in making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. We uphold that belief through our Love Promise Community Commitment. Every month, we select inspiring stories from customers and partners from around our area who strive to support our collective commitment and feature them here
• A Hero's Welcome for Liam, Thanks to Bertera Subaru - Kris M
For 12 years, Bertera Subaru of Hartford has been a dedicated and valued partner of Make-A-Wish® Connecticut, helping bring hope, joy, and unforgettable experiences to children facing critical illnesses. Their generosity and compassion have helped make life-changing wishes come true for local children like Liam, reminding families they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply. Liam, who lives with a rare disease, has faced challenges no child should have to endure. Through it all, he has remained full of strength, personality, and imagination. When he learned he was eligible for a wish, Liam knew exactly what he wanted: to go to a Florida theme park and see all of his favorite characters. Bertera Subaru hosted a welcome home celebration with their entire staff and local police and created a memorable experience tailored just for Liam. He was showered with gifts featuring his favorite characters, Spider-Man and Stitch, and surprised with a custom cake decorated with all of his favorite things. With a local police escort and a grand entrance into the showroom filled with cheers and pom-poms, Liam was welcomed like a true hero. He even put on his very own Spider-Man mask and gloves, making the celebration even more special. Bertera Subaru's impact goes far beyond one wish. Through the Subaru Share the Love® Event, they have helped create moments of hope and transformation for children across Connecticut. Liam's wish is a powerful reminder of what is possible when a caring community comes together—to lift up a child, celebrate their spirit, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Bertera Subaru of Hartford truly exemplifies the Subaru Love Promise in every way. We are deeply grateful for their long-standing partnership, compassionate leadership, and unwavering belief in the power of a wish. Together, we are helping children like Liam experience joy, strength, and the magic of simply being a kid.
Bringing Comfort and Resources to Patients - Sasha D
Bertera Subaru partnered with Blood Cancer United through the Subaru Loves to Care® initiative to deliver blankets to patients at Starling Physicians, helping provide comfort during cancer treatment while also connecting patients with valuable support resources. In addition to delivering cozy blankets, Blood Cancer United staff had the opportunity to set up an informational table where patients and caregivers could learn more about the organization's free programs and services. From financial assistance and educational resources to peer support and community connections, these conversations helped ensure patients know they are not alone throughout their cancer journey. The Subaru Loves to Care initiative is about more than providing a blanket—it's about reminding patients that an entire community is standing behind them. Through the generosity of Bertera Subaru and the partnership with Starling Physicians, patients received both a comforting gift and access to resources designed to support them beyond their medical treatment. Blood Cancer United is grateful to Bertera Subaru and the team at Starling Physicians for helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. Together, we continue to bring comfort, compassion, and hope to those who need it most.
Honoring Tim Austin Through Comfort and Compassion - Nancy T
Some acts of kindness become traditions because they carry the memory of someone who will never be forgotten. On June 29th, the team at Bertera Subaru of Hartford continued one of our most meaningful Subaru Love Promise traditions with our annual blanket delivery to Starling Physicians in Wethersfield, Connecticut. While the blankets provide warmth and comfort to patients facing difficult days, this event represents something even greater for our team. Several years ago, Starling Physicians cared for our colleague and friend, Tim Austin, as he courageously battled leukemia. Although we sadly lost Tim three years ago this May, his strength, positivity, and impact on those around him continue to inspire us. Every year, we return to Starling to honor his memory by giving back to the patients and caregivers who walk the same halls that once cared for him. This year, our team delivered 12 cases of warm blankets to help provide comfort for patients receiving treatment. Along with every blanket came handwritten notes of encouragement and hope, reminding each recipient that they are not facing their journey alone. Whether offering a few comforting words or a simple message of strength, each note was written with love and the hope of brightening someone's day. We were also grateful to have the support of Blood Cancer United, whose partnership helped make this year's effort even more meaningful. Together, we were able to extend compassion to individuals and families facing some of life's greatest challenges. For our team, this annual visit is about much more than delivering blankets. It is about honoring Tim's legacy by sharing the same compassion that was shown to him. It is about supporting patients who are fighting battles of their own and letting them know that an entire community is standing beside them. At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, the Subaru Love Promise means showing up when people need hope the most. We are honored to continue this tradition each year, remembering our friend, supporting those currently in treatment, and renewing a partnership that means so much to our dealership. Because while a blanket can provide warmth, kindness, compassion, and the memory of someone special can bring comfort that lasts far beyond a single day.
Teeing Up Hope for Hartford Kids - Nancy T
On June 28th, the team at Bertera Subaru of Hartford came together for a day filled with purpose, teamwork, and community spirit at the Tee It Up Fore Kids Classic. This meaningful golf tournament raises funds to support empowerment programs for underprivileged children throughout the Hartford, Connecticut area. For many local kids, these programs provide more than activities. They create opportunities, build confidence, and offer support that can help shape a brighter future. Bertera Subaru of Hartford was proud to be part of that mission. Our Sales Manager, Lucas Juandeau, led a team that included Sales Representative Vinny Testanero, Swap Driver Edna Jordan, and Master Technician Matt Tullas. Together, they represented our dealership with pride, bringing energy, heart, and a strong commitment to helping children in our community. The day was filled with friendly competition, laughter, and a shared understanding that every swing supported something bigger than the game. While our team was excited to win the tournament, the true victory was knowing we helped raise awareness and support for a cause that makes a real difference in the lives of Hartford area children. Events like the Tee It Up Fore Kids Classic remind us that giving back can happen in many ways. Sometimes it is through volunteering, sometimes it is through sponsorship, and sometimes it is through showing up as a team to support organizations working to lift up the next generation. At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, the Subaru Love Promise means standing behind our community and investing in the people who make it stronger. We are honored to support programs that empower children, create opportunity, and remind every young person that their future matters. Because when a community comes together with care and purpose, every child has a better chance to grow, succeed, and shine.
Changing Lives Through Circle of Hands - Nancy T
At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, we believe that caring for our community sometimes means reaching beyond our own neighborhoods and supporting those in need around the world. On June 6th, our team had the privilege of doing exactly that by supporting the Circle of Hands Gala, an event dedicated to changing the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in Jamaica. The West Indian community is the largest ethnic minority group in Connecticut, and Circle of Hands has spent years building bridges between Connecticut and Jamaica through its support of the Mustard Seed Communities. These communities provide a safe and loving home for children who have been orphaned through no fault of their own. Many lost their parents to HIV/AIDS, while others were born with the disease themselves and faced challenges from the very beginning of life. Every dollar raised during the gala directly supports these children by providing food, medical care, educational resources, and activities that bring joy and hope into their lives. It is a mission built on compassion, dignity, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Bertera Subaru of Hartford was proud to stand alongside this incredible organization by purchasing a full table at the event and sponsoring a full page advertisement in the gala program. More importantly, our team was there to show support for a cause that has touched the lives of many families throughout Connecticut. For our General Sales Manager, O'Neal McDonald, the mission of Circle of Hands is deeply personal. Years ago, his family opened their hearts and home to a child from the Mustard Seed Communities through adoption. What began as an act of compassion became a life-changing opportunity. Today, his adopted cousin is a happy, thriving, and productive member of society, living proof of the difference that love, support, and opportunity can make in a child's life. Stories like this remind us that the impact of organizations like Circle of Hands extends far beyond a single event or fundraiser. The support they provide creates real futures, transforms lives, and gives children the chance to dream beyond their circumstances. At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, the Subaru Love Promise means standing with organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Supporting the Circle of Hands Gala was about more than attending an event. It was about investing in hope, celebrating community, and helping ensure that children facing unimaginable challenges have the resources and opportunities they deserve. Because when a community comes together with compassion and purpose, lives can be changed forever.
Making an Impact Beyond the Classroom - Nancy T
At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, some of the most meaningful partnerships begin with a simple conversation. Last month, our General Sales Manager, O'Neal McDonald, visited CREC's Impact Academy as part of the school's Career Day program. What started as a one-day event quickly grew into something much more meaningful. O'Neal immediately connected with the students and staff, many of whom come from the same types of neighborhoods throughout Hartford County where he was raised. Located in the very community O'Neal once called home, Impact Academy serves students who are working hard to overcome challenges and build successful futures. By sharing his personal story and professional journey, O'Neal showed students that success is possible no matter where you start. The connection was so strong that when the students later began learning about the sales process in class, the school reached back out to O'Neal and the Bertera team for help bringing those lessons to life. On May 28th, Bertera Subaru of Hartford welcomed two groups of Impact Academy students to the dealership for a hands-on learning experience. The day began with a tour of the showroom, an up-close look at Subaru vehicles, and opportunities to explore the many career paths available within the automotive industry. To make the students feel right at home, our team also provided breakfast and lunch throughout the day. The highlight of the visit was an interactive sales training session led by O'Neal and our team. Students learned the importance of properly qualifying potential customers, understanding their needs, and building meaningful relationships through thoughtful questions and active listening. Through engaging discussions and role-playing exercises, the students quickly grasped the concepts and demonstrated their ability to apply what they had learned. The energy in the room was contagious. Students asked insightful questions, challenged themselves in the exercises, and discovered skills they may not have realized they possessed. By the end of the day, they not only understood what qualifying means in the sales process, but why communication, preparation, and empathy are valuable skills in any career they choose. For our team, the experience was a reminder that education happens everywhere, not just inside a classroom. It happens when people take the time to share knowledge, mentor the next generation, and invest in their community. At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, the Subaru Love Promise is about creating opportunities and building connections that last. Together with CREC Impact Academy, we were able to provide students with real world experience, practical skills, and encouragement to pursue their goals with confidence. And while we may have taught a lesson on sales that day, the students taught us something as well: that curiosity, determination, and potential can be found in every community when given the chance to shine.
Bertera Subaru of Hartford "A Lesson in Gratitude at Milner School" - Nancy T
At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, supporting education means more than showing up for one event or one season. It means listening to the needs of teachers and students and finding meaningful ways to help throughout the entire year. That is why our team has proudly partnered with Milner School by providing a steady monthly supply of paper and classroom materials to support both teachers and students. Every month, we deliver three cases of paper to the school, helping ensure that classrooms have the resources they need and easing the burden on teachers who too often spend their own money on basic supplies. For many classrooms, these supplies make a real difference in everyday learning. From worksheets and assignments to creative projects and classroom activities, something as simple as paper helps students stay engaged and gives teachers the tools they need to succeed. Recently, our team received something that reminded us exactly why these efforts matter so much. An eighth grade class led by Ms. Namie took the time to send us a heartfelt letter thanking our team not only for the paper donations, but also for the classroom supplies provided through the Subaru Loves to Learn program. The card was signed by both Ms. Namie and every student in the class as part of a lesson focused on gratitude and appreciation. What may have seemed like a small gesture quickly became a powerful moment for our team. Reading the handwritten messages and seeing the students' names reminded us that giving back is never just about supplies. It is about showing students and educators that their community believes in them and cares about their success. At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, the Subaru Love Promise means supporting the next generation in ways both big and small. Whether it is providing resources for classrooms or building relationships within our schools, we are honored to stand beside the teachers and students who work hard every single day. Because sometimes, the most meaningful impact comes not from what is given, but from the gratitude and connection shared in return.
Bertera Subaru of Hartford "Growing a Greener Future Together" - Nancy T
In May 2026, Subaru of America launched the largest corporate tree giveaway in history as part of the Subaru Loves the Earth initiative, a nationwide effort dedicated to creating a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come. At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, we were proud to bring that mission directly to our community. On Saturday, May 9th, our Community Impact Team transformed one of our service drives into an open air tree distribution center filled with excitement, conversation, and a shared commitment to the environment. What is normally a space dedicated to servicing vehicles became a place where neighbors gathered together with one goal in mind: giving new life to the earth around them. Throughout the day, families, first time homeowners, children, and community members arrived to pick up the trees they had registered to receive through the Subaru Loves the Earth program. Each person who participated made a promise to give their tree a happy home and help it grow for years to come. By the end of the event, more than 80 trees had found new homes across the Hartford community. But the impact of the day went far beyond the number of trees distributed. It was about bringing people together around a shared responsibility to care for the environment and inspiring small actions that can create lasting change. There was something special about watching families leave with saplings in hand, excited about where they would plant them and the memories they would create as they watched them grow. For many children attending, it was more than just receiving a tree. It was a chance to learn about protecting the planet and being part of something bigger than themselves. At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, the Subaru Love Promise means supporting our community not only today, but for the future as well. Events like this remind us that even simple acts, like planting a tree, can help strengthen communities, beautify neighborhoods, and leave a lasting impact for generations to come. Because when we work together to care for the earth, we are all helping build a greener and brighter future.
Bertera Subaru of Hartford "Inspiring Futures at Impact Academy" - Nancy T
During Teacher Appreciation Week, a time dedicated to recognizing those who guide and uplift the next generation, the team at Bertera Subaru of Hartford had the opportunity to step into that role for a day in a truly meaningful way. On the morning of May 8th, our Community Outreach Team spent time at CREC's Impact Academy, an alternative high school dedicated to supporting students who have been identified as at risk of dropping out. Impact Academy is not a traditional classroom environment. It is a place built on understanding, second chances, and new approaches to learning. From classrooms filled with 3D printers to spaces with free weights and bean bag chairs, the school creates an environment where students can engage in ways that work best for them and begin to see a future full of possibility. Our day began with something simple but important. We provided and served lunch for the students and staff, creating an opportunity to connect, share conversations, and build trust. What started as a meal quickly became a moment of community, where barriers came down and meaningful interactions began. The impact deepened when our General Sales Manager, O'Neal McDonald, took part in the mentoring panel. Having grown up in the very same neighborhood as many of the students, his story resonated in a powerful way. He spoke openly about his journey, the challenges he faced, and the path that led him to where he is today. For the students listening, his words were more than advice. They were proof that success is possible, no matter where you start. Following the panel, the experience became even more personal. Our team joined smaller breakout sessions, sitting down directly with students to talk about careers in the automotive industry and beyond. Questions were asked, ideas were shared, and new possibilities were introduced. Many students discovered opportunities they had never considered before, opening doors to paths they did not know existed. By the end of the day, it was clear that the impact went far beyond a single visit. It was about showing these students that they are seen, that their futures matter, and that there are people in their community who believe in them. At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, the Subaru Love Promise means investing in people and in the future of our community. This day at Impact Academy was not just about giving back. It was about inspiring confidence, building connections, and helping young individuals take one step closer to a brighter path forward. Because sometimes, all it takes is one conversation, one shared story, or one moment of encouragement to change the direction of a life.
Celebrating Noah: A Birthday Full of Joy and Heart - Nancy T
At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, some of the most meaningful moments are the ones that happen naturally, when someone walks through our doors and leaves a lasting impression on everyone they meet. For our team, that person is Noah. Noah is a proud Subaru fan whose visits to our showroom have become something we all look forward to. His excitement, energy, and genuine love for Subaru have brought countless moments of joy to our team. Whether he was exploring the vehicles or simply spending time with us, Noah had a way of lighting up the room and reminding us why we love what we do. So when we learned that Noah's birthday was coming up, and that his parents had decided to surprise him with a Subaru of his own, we knew we wanted to do something more. We wanted to give a little of that joy back to him. With the help of our incredible partners at Make A Wish Connecticut, our team came together to plan a surprise celebration that Noah would never forget. What started as a simple visit quickly turned into a room filled with excitement, laughter, and heartfelt moments as Noah realized that the day was all about him. The look on his face said everything. Pure happiness. Genuine surprise. The same joy he has shared with us so many times was now reflected right back at him. For Noah's family, it was a chance to celebrate a special milestone in a way that felt meaningful and memorable. For our team, it was a reminder of how powerful connection and kindness can be. This was more than a birthday party. It was a moment that brought people together and created a memory that will stay with all of us. At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, the Subaru Love Promise is about relationships. It is about recognizing the people who make our community brighter and taking the time to celebrate them. Noah has given us so much joy, and on this special day, we were honored to give a little of it back. Because sometimes, the greatest impact comes from simply making someone feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
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