Where are donations going?
We started the Detective Robert "Bobby" Garten Memorial Fund because of the outpour of support from the community. We didn't want to point people to a specific charity and not see where each dollar was going. With the memorial fund, we have the ability to donate to multiple organizations, people and causes that were important to Bobby.
Donations
The Detective Robert "Bobby" Garten Memorial Fund in partnership with the Hartford Yard Goats (Yearly)
$2,000 awarded annually to a Hartford County First Responders Child
Watkinson School Global Studies Fund
$5,000 to the Global Studies Fund start a scholarship at Watkinson School. Bobby was a 2008 graduate and his best memories were a mission trip to Africa. This fund was created to make possible global travel for students with financial need.
Life Jackets
25 High Quality Lifejackets were donated to First Responders serving on the water
Wethersfield Boy Scouts Troop 85
$1,781 has been donated to the Wethersfield Boy Scouts Troop 85 to go towards their summer camp
Raffle Prize Donations
The fund has contributed over $3,000 worth of raffle prizes to date. These raffle prizes are donated to events that support families of fallen or injured/sick Law Enforcement officers. The fund will continue to support these causes.
Hartford PAL
We donated a Golf Simulator for the kids at the Police Athletic League to use
Fraternal Order of Police
$1,781 has been donated to the Fraternal of Police to go towards their health & wellness fund
Police Unity Tour
The fund contributed donations in over $1000 for the 2025 Police Unity Tour
Captain's License
Sponsored several first responders to invest in their professional skills by earning their captain's license
What are our future plans with donations?
This year, the Detective Robert "Bobby" Garten Memorial Fund is proud to support Ben Bronz Academy, a school Bobby attended during 5th and 6th grade. As the Academy prepares to open its new campus in East Hartford this school year, they hope to honor Bobby's legacy by naming a new playground in his memory.
Building the playground is a significant investment, and our goal is to help make this meaningful tribute a reality. Every dollar raised will bring us one step closer to creating a place where children can learn, play, and grow while carrying Bobby's legacy forward for generations to come.
Is the Memorial Fund a non-profit?
The Detective Robert "Bobby" Garten Memorial Fund is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. EIN 93-3353753. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.