Bertera Subaru of Hartford are 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
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.
Bertera Subaru of Hartford "Warming Hearts at Fred D. Wish School" - Nancy T
On February 26th, the team at Bertera Subaru of Hartford came together with our community partners at Angel of Edgewood for a day centered around warmth, care, and connection. This time, our focus was on the students of Fred D. Wish School, located in one of Hartford's most underserved neighborhoods. For many of these children, winter brings more than just cold temperatures. It can bring real challenges, especially for families working hard to make ends meet. Knowing this, our team was determined to make a meaningful difference. With the support of Operation Warm, Bertera Subaru of Hartford and Angel of Edgewood helped provide 300 brand new winter coats to students in need. As each child received their coat, what stood out most was not just the warmth it would bring during the winter months, but the excitement and pride on their faces. For many, this was more than just a necessity. It was something they could call their own. Laughter filled the hallways as students tried on their new coats, showing them off to friends and teachers. In those moments, it was clear that something simple can have a powerful impact. A coat became comfort. A coat became confidence. A coat became a reminder that their community cares about them. The event drew attention from local news, helping shine a light on the importance of supporting families and children in our own backyard. But for our team, the most meaningful part of the day was not the recognition. It was the connections we made and the smiles we witnessed firsthand. This experience is a reflection of what the Subaru Love Promise truly means to us. It is about showing up for our community, standing beside our partners, and doing whatever we can to support the people who need it most. At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, we believe that even the smallest acts of kindness can create lasting change. And on this winter day in Hartford, 300 coats helped deliver more than warmth. They delivered hope.
Project Angel Wings Bringing Christmas Magic to Our Community - Nancy T
This Christmas season, Bertera Subaru of Hartford is proud to turn compassion into action. Through our partnership with Angel of Edgewood, we are honored to support the Project Angel Wings Christmas Event, bringing joy, hope, and meaningful gifts to families raising children with special needs. For these families, the holidays can be challenging, but together we are helping make them brighter. Each gift represents more than a present. It is a reminder that these families are seen, supported, and deeply valued by their community. At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, giving back is not just something we do. It is who we are. This is our commitment to the Subaru Love Promise, showing love, sharing hope, and making a difference where it matters most. Because when we come together, every child deserves a little Christmas magic.
Bertera Subaru of Hartford “Feeding Hartford With Love” - Nancy T
On the day before Thanksgiving, when many families were preparing for a warm holiday meal, thousands of Hartford residents were still unsure where their next plate would come from. That uncertainty is exactly why the Bertera Subaru of Hartford team stepped forward, not as a dealership, but as a committed part of the community we love. In the early morning hours, our employees joined forces with Angels of Edgewood, the U.S. Marine Corps, and dozens of dedicated local volunteers for one of the most impactful community events of the year. Together, we set out to make sure that every person who came to us that day would feel cared for, supported, and seen. As families lined up, our team served hot breakfast to more than 2,000 people including seniors, children, parents, and individuals experiencing hardship. The gratitude in their faces said everything. For some, this was the only warm meal they would have before the holiday. For others, it was a moment of relief in a season that can feel overwhelming. We handed out food, but what we truly offered was dignity, comfort, and connection. Beyond breakfast, we helped distribute boxes filled with all the ingredients needed to prepare a Thanksgiving meal at home. Our employees formed lines to carry heavy boxes, organized supplies, guided families through the distribution area, and greeted every person with kindness. Moments of laughter, shared stories, and heartfelt thanks filled the day, reminding all of us why this work matters so deeply. This event was about more than feeding thousands. It was about lifting spirits. It was about standing shoulder to shoulder with partners who share our mission of service and making sure that no one in our community felt forgotten during the holiday season. It reaffirmed something our team believes wholeheartedly: we are stronger when we take care of one another. At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, we live the Subaru Love Promise not through words, but through action. This Thanksgiving, our team helped ensure that love and hope reached homes across Hartford. And as we watched families walk away with meals and smiles, we were reminded once again that love truly is what makes a Subaru a Subaru, and what makes Hartford a stronger and more connected community.
Community First: Subaru Donation Strengthens YWCA Hartford Food Pantry - Nancy T
At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, supporting our community is at the heart of the Subaru Love Promise. When we learned from our community partner Angel of Edgewood that the YWCA Hartford Region was facing urgent food insecurity concerns, we knew we had to step in. Families were struggling due to rising living costs and instability in assistance programs, and the pantry needed immediate help. We quickly provided a donation to help replenish the YWCA pantry and support the women and men who rely on it. Angel of Edgewood shared the following message, word for word, in appreciation: “Angel of Edgewood would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our partners at Bertera Subaru of Hartford for their incredible act of kindness through the Subaru Love Promise initiative. After learning about the urgent food insecurity faced by women and men served by the YWCA Hartford Region, Subaru immediately stepped up and provided a generous $1,000 donation to help replenish their food pantry. This compassionate gesture will have a direct and meaningful impact on families who are struggling due to the ongoing challenges surrounding SNAP benefits, government instability, and rising living costs. Your commitment to serving the community continues to make a powerful difference, thank you for helping ensure that no one in need goes hungry.” We’re honored to support the YWCA Hartford Region and remain committed to making a positive impact, because helping our neighbors is what the Subaru Love Promise is all about.
Together We Can End Period Poverty - Nancy T
At Bertera Subaru of Hartford, we’re proud to live our Subaru Love Promise by supporting those in need right here in our community. For the month of November, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Starling Physicians to fight Period Poverty. Our dealership will host drop boxes in both our Service and Sales Departments — and we invite you to donate period products to help those who struggle to afford these essential items. 💙 Your generosity helps ensure everyone in our community has access to the care and dignity they deserve. 📍Stop by Bertera Subaru of Hartford anytime this month to make a donation and help us make a difference — one box at a time. #SubaruLovePromise #BerteraSubaruHartford #StarlingPhysicians #PeriodPovertyAwareness #SubaruLovesToHelp #CommunitySupport
