Spotlight:

2008 Bill Lidell Award: Mark Haversat

Mark Haversat is an exceptional individual; he is a model business owner, board member, parent and friend. Mark’s contributions to Connecticut Food Bank go beyond his financial donations, time spent and food offerings; they come with a great amount of emotional attachment. Mark wholeheartedly embraces the Food Bank; its mission, staff, and its agencies. All who have been fortunate to interact with Mark in their daily work know that he is deserving of the Bill Liddell Award.

Mark was raised in Wilton, Connecticut, and is a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology’s School for American Craftsmen, having been chosen as one of only nine students accepted to the program each year. Specializing in woodworking and furniture design, he received an associate’s degree in Fine and Applied Arts in 1980, and for the next four years he designed and produced high-end custom furniture for Donahue Furniture Design in Wilton. In 1984 Mark became a cabinet maker in the shop at Robbins Tesar Inc. (RTI), a trade show and exhibit design company, then based in Stamford. Within a year he was promoted to shop foreman and continued to be promoted to account manager, production manager, and administrator, and eventually set his sights on becoming owner. Negotiations began in 1995 and the purchase was closed on in 1997. Within 4 months Mark relocated the company to its current location in Bridgeport. He proudly recounts that RTI was named 5th Best Company to Work for in Connecticut in 2006. He graciously attributes the success of the business to employees who are “empowered to do what they do best.” He successfully created a culture of understanding that is team oriented, donating time and talent to support the company’s philanthropic goals.

Mark was introduced to Connecticut Food Bank through one of his staff members who was acquainted with a member of the Food Bank’s Board of Directors. He was encouraged to learn more about Connecticut Food Bank and submit his resumé to become a member of the board. Mark originally served as a board member from 1999 to 2003, returned in 2005 and is currently an active member of the Building and Personnel Committees. His position on the board, however, is only one of the important ways that Mark supports Connecticut Food Bank. What is most extraordinary about him is the unique and creative sources of contributions he continues to make. He has provided an exceptional amount of in-kind donations to the Food Bank, such as marketing support, special events and facility signage.

Recently, RTI was working with a corporate client who specializes in baked goods. When the job was complete, Mark immediately arranged for the client’s remaining products to be donated to Connecticut Food Bank. In 2007, Connecticut Food Bank recognized its 25th anniversary and hosted a Blue Jeans Ball in the East Haven warehouse. Mark’s staff put together a team—led by Account Executive Tom Valenti—that was instrumental in transforming the warehouse into an elegant blues club, complete with a lounge and entertainment. They provided support, goods and countless hours to ensure the event’s success. Mark and numerous RTI staff members also participate in Connecticut Food Bank events like the Walk Against Hunger, where they won best team name, “Lettuce Squash Hunger;” and Thanksgiving for All, donating over 1,000 lbs of turkeys each year.

Not only does Mark support Connecticut Food Bank but he also gives generously to one of the Food Bank’s member programs, Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood. Through Sister Theresa, a true Mother Theresa of Bridgeport, Mark and RTI have sponsored a family of five children whose house was consumed by fire. Through RTI and the generosity of its employees they helped this family furnish an entire home with goods and clothing in order to rebuild their lives. He says this family is certainly a part of the RTI family and always attends company events like picnics in the summer. He has provided financial resources for Sister Theresa’s other charitable needs and has committed to being a part of the Yale-New Haven Hospital’s Cancer Center, which is still in its campaign stages. Mark’s attitude toward charitable giving is that supporting the community around you should be a requirement and not an option—and his actions consistently uphold this principle.

Mark currently resides in Monroe with his wife, Donna, a Stepney Elementary School first grade teacher. He has two sons, Tyler, 22, who is a senior at Sacred Heart University, seeking a business degree while working on a part-time basis at RTI. Thanks to his father’s example, he is poised and ready to take over RTI one day. Mark’s other son Matt, 20, is a junior at Lasell College in Newton, Massachusetts, studying to be a graphic artist and has also worked for a short time at RTI.

Mark says he thoroughly enjoys working with Connecticut Food Bank because he is honored to be part of an organization of exceptional people doing exceptional work. The Food Bank feels the same way about him.

Connecticut Food Bank proudly presented to Mark Haversat its highest honor, the Bill Liddell Award, in recognition of his exemplary service, ongoing dedication, and significant support of Connecticut Food Bank and our mission to feed hungry men, women, and children.