They purchased the former home of Patti Ewen on Broadview Street for its potential not just to support them through the rest of their lives, but also for its capacity to support their love for entertaining. December 15, 2005, they christened their historic home ‘Broadview Manor’, and immediately became involved in the full spectrum of local activities. Joining nearly every arts and culture organiz
ation in Bristol and then attending as many local events as possible, BBK began to learn about their new community. Now almost fifteen years later, the name BBK or Broadview Manor is synonymous with the words entertainment, volunteer and humanitarian. Always willing to help local charitable causes and inspire others to get involved, BBK began an annual October house party called “Cocktails at Eight.” This single-night, third Saturday in October event has raised more than $100,000 for nonprofit organizations, important health and human service initiatives and game changing opportunities for citizens across the broad socio-economic spectrum. Together, they had years of experience from their days of raising funds for the Hartford Gay and Le***an Health Collective. Harnessing that experience, BBK began to focus on the needs of the Bristol Community, selecting a Bristol nonprofit to benefit from this October fundraising event, including the Preservation and Educational Programming of Norm Taillon’s Blacksmith Shoppe at Shepard Meadows, Bristol Boys & Girls Club Family Center, For Goodness Sake, Imagine Nation – A Museum Early Learning Center, and Bristol Preschool Child Care Center, and just recently Bristol Parks and Recreation’s 2020 “All-Heart Pop Up Parks”. They have also hosted similar fundraising events at their home to benefit the Quota Club and Bristol Hospital. You will often find a Broadview Manor High Tea, Cocktail Party or multi-course dinner event as a popular auction item at many nonprofit functions. BBK’s generous spirit doesn’t stop at fundraising, they actively participate in various capacities with the New England Carousel Museum, Family Resource Centers, American Clock & Watch Museum, Bristol Historical Society, Bristol Federal Hill Association, Main Street Community Foundation and Secret Santa Society among others. Bob, Bob and Kevin grew up in families active in local fundraising and volunteer service. Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers Neighborhood also played an important role in their development and they firmly believe in one of Fred’s most well-known quotes: "We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say, 'It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.' Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes." These life experiences have fueled their passion to lift up everyone in the Bristol community with all that they have done and continue to do.
