Our story
A teacher, his students, and a community of friends
Eric Feeney is a third-grade teacher at Wolcott Elementary School in West Hartford and an eight-year veteran of the Connecticut Army National Guard. Friends of Feeney grew out of what he saw when two of his students lost their fathers.
How it started
2014
Mr. Feeney comes to Wolcott
After teaching for nearly a decade at his alma mater in Waterbury, Eric Feeney begins teaching at Wolcott Elementary in West Hartford.
Soon after
A sudden loss
The father of one of Eric’s students dies suddenly of a heart attack, leaving behind four children and his wife. Eric sees firsthand the toll it takes as the family finds its way through an unthinkable tragedy.
The next year
A second loss
Another father of a student in Eric’s class dies in Hartford as a result of gun violence, leaving behind two children and his wife. The weight of these losses moves Eric to build an organization that can help families facing the same kind of heartbreak. With that, Friends of Feeney is born.
2019
Officially a 501(c)(3)
Friends of Feeney Inc. becomes an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so more funds can be raised and more kinds of help can reach children and families in need.
2020
Nonprofit of the Year
The West Hartford Chamber names Friends of Feeney its Nonprofit of the Year.
2022–24
Best of West Hartford
Friends of Feeney takes first place for Favorite Nonprofit in Best of West Hartford three years running.
Today
Over $340,000 for more than 155 families
More than a decade after Eric’s idea, Friends of Feeney is a recognized organization providing financial and resource support to families and individuals across greater Hartford and beyond.
Our mission
The mission of Friends of Feeney is to help children and families who need assistance after heartbreak and tragedy.
Our vision
A community dedicated to providing hope and uplifting those facing life’s most challenging moments.
We believe
A community can and will come together to support their neighbors in need.
The most effective fundraising is genuine, transparent, and fun.
Being a good friend is always the right choice.
Board of directors
Eric Feeney
Founder & President
Third-grade teacher at Wolcott Elementary School and an eight-year veteran of the Connecticut Army National Guard.
Matt Heller
Chairman, Board of Directors
Leads strategic planning and operations, oversees communications, and manages the annual golf tournament.
Marty Keena
Director
Jenn Lambert
Director
Rob Parenti
Director
Thai Tran
Director
Awards
2020
Nonprofit of the Year
West Hartford Chamber
2022–2024
Favorite Nonprofit, first place
Best of West Hartford
2017, 2018, 2021, 2024
Best Float
Park Road Parade
2016 & 2019
Community Spirit Award
Park Road Parade
2019 & 2024
Second Place Float
Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade
2026
Third Place Float
Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Feeney Files
Media mentions and more.
we-ha.comSeptember 17, 2024
Read: 3rd Annual Friends of Feeney Golf Tournament a Great Success on we-ha.com (opens in a new tab)3rd Annual Friends of Feeney Golf Tournament a Great Success
More than $20,000 was raised for Friends of Feeney at the golf tournament.
we-ha.comApril 5, 2024
Read: Community Comes Together and West Hartford Boy Gets His Wish on we-ha.com (opens in a new tab)Community Comes Together and West Hartford Boy Gets His Wish
The Make-A-Wish Foundation, West Hartford Police & Fire Department, West Hartford Public Schools, Friends of Feeney and others teamed up for “Howard Day,” a celebration for a local student battling a critical illness.
WTNHJuly 16, 2023
Watch: How ‘be a good friend’ became a West Hartford teacher’s motto on WTNH (opens in a new tab)How ‘be a good friend’ became a West Hartford teacher’s motto
Eric Feeney sat down with WTNH broadcaster Dennis House to talk about Friends of Feeney.
CT InsiderJanuary 27, 2021
Read: Community raises over $22K to aid those affected by fatal West Hartford fire on CT Insider (opens in a new tab)Community raises over $22K to aid those affected by fatal West Hartford fire
When a fire at a West Hartford home resulted in one death, the community sprang into action.