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The breakfast will be held on Thursday, May 5 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn.
“The Trefzs have earned the respect and admiration of the Bridgeport community for the time, energy and leadership they have given to countless boards and commissions, and its gratitude for their extraordinary philanthropic support to a wide cross section of community organizations," said Bill Hass, president and CEO of LifeBridge Community Services.
The award recognizes an outstanding individual, business or organization whose leadership and commitment makes the Bridgeport community a better place to live.
After military service, Ernie Trefz rose to vice president and general manager at the Roessler Packing Co. He took on his first McDonald’s franchise in 1964. Twenty years later, he and his brother, Christian, were the owner/operators of 43 McDonald’s restaurants.
Over the years, they have generated jobs and revitalized downtown Bridgeport through numerous projects, including Park City Plaza Building, The Plaza Building, The Rite Aid Building, the Holiday Inn and parking garage and the Bridgeport Transit Center.
The recipient of numerous honors and awards over the years, Trefz has also served on many boards, including the University of Bridgeport, the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation and Goodwill Industries.
Joan Trefz has also been actively involved in the Greater Bridgeport community. She has held volunteer leadership roles with many local organizations, including the Trumbull Junior Women’s Club, the Pop Warner Football League, Brooklawn Country Club, and St. Vincent’s Medical Center Auxiliary, where she was named Volunteer of the Year. She also administers the Trefz Foundation, which provides generous philanthropic support for many organizations and community causes.
The couple has lived in Trumbull for more than 50 years, and have three children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
This year’s Food For Thought keynote speaker is John Choate, an entrepreneur and former Navy SEAL.
Click here to purchase tickets.
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