In the late 70’s a local carpenter by the name of Roger Campbell decided to try and help children, especially during the Christmas holiday.  He had someone hand make teddy bears and passed them out to children for Christmas. He was also instrumental in starting cash fundraisers to help the children.  Together with the help of Ed Ruszczyk, owner of Grand Central Café and Joe Kolodziej, owner of TJ’s Café a large sum of money was raised and presented to Paul Newman, which he accepted for the “Hole in the Wall Gang”. A camp set up by Newman in Ashford, CT to help sick children. 

As more people became involved with the fundraising it became obvious that we could be very effective on our own and a group name was born, the Wallingford Wishing Well. At that time it was decided that the money raised would stay in the town of Wallingford, CT to help needy, sick and under privileged children.  Papers were filed with the State of CT and we became an incorporated, non-profit organization in 1990. 

 

During this transition period a number of members were already getting a reputation for catering excellent food.  This evolved while helping friends and family with special occasions.  The catering originated at “Chick’s Auto” along with the many people that have volunteered throughout the years. 

It was only natural to combine all of the volunteered efforts towards funding the Wallingford Wishing Well and its mission.  The catering not only provided a steady financial source for the Wishing Well but also spawned such events as the Taste of Wallingford and the annual Game Dinner. 

Through the years the Wallingford Wishing Well has grown to an active membership of approximately 80 people.  These volunteers are from all walks of life. The Wishing Well has tapped the talent and resources of all these people at one time or another to fulfill our goal, “Wallingford People Working for Wallingford Children”.