By LORI SZEPELAK
Correspondent
WESTFIELD – Entrepreneurs Nabil and Julie Hannoush are bullish on the city’s business potential – as well as its capacity to give back to others.
The couple recently shared their optimism about the business climate and charitable giving during a lunchtime interview on the patio at their Shortstop Bar & Grill at 99 Springfield Road, one of three businesses they opened last year at the former Ford dealership. The site, which created approximately 100 jobs, also features the Expert Fitness Health Club and Extra Innings Westfield, an indoor baseball and softball training facility.
Nabil Hannoush, a longtime executive with the family business, Hannoush Jewelers, believes in the potential that the city has to grow and increase its business base.
“We are humbled by all of the support we have received in the community,” he said.
Just over the past three years, the couple has donated more than $180,000 to Westfield area charities, and is especially proud of the Expert Fitness’ Community Give Back Program.
“In the early years we made donations anonymously but now realize the importance of spreading the word about the need to help one another,” said Nabil.
Julie Hannoush echoed those sentiments.
“It makes me feel great to give back and help others,” she said, adding, “It’s a beautiful feeling.”
The couple moved to Westfield seven years ago from West Springfield with their four children, Monica, Marie, Matthew and Marissa.
“We fell in love with Westfield,” said Nabil. “We’re not leaving Westfield.”
The couple noted that in addition to local charities, their support also includes the Special Olympics, the American Cancer Society, and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to name a fee. They are an integral part of donating to community causes.
In addition to supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, the city’s Little League and Babe Ruth teams, and the fire and police departments, they also recently became a corporate sponsor for the new Westfield Senior Center on Noble Street.
“We love our seniors,” said Julie.
“There are no no’s when we are asked to give,” said Nabil. “You have to give something.”
For Julie, her greatest causes are for special needs children, seniors, and those with cancer and their family members.
“My family has a history of cancer so we do what we can to help raise awareness about cancer initiatives through our charitable giving,” she said.
The couple also hosts a bloodmobile periodically at the Springfield Road campus so that area residents are able to give back by donating blood.
Nabil said he looks forward in the coming years to meeting more individuals and business owners and encouraging them to reach out and help make a difference in the lives of others.
“When you give it motivates you to give more,” he said.
He added that as the business climate continues to improve across the region, he hopes to see increased charitable giving and he would like to challenge other successful Westfield business owners to support the community that they do business in.
“There is so much possibility in Westfield and the Hilltowns,” he said. “The wind is at our back and we need to work together as a team. If you are operating a business in western Massachusetts and you are doing well, give back as much as possible.”
On Tuesdays at the Shortstop Bar & Grill, the couple coordinates fundraisers which allow 10 percent of all proceeds from that night’s meals to benefit a charity. For any organization interested in more information, contact the restaurant’s manager at (413) 642-6370 or visit Facebook.com/Shortstopbar for details.
The couple also stressed that parents should encourage their children to become active participants in philanthropic ways as they grow.
“We have shown by example to our children how giving back makes you feel good and helps others,” he said.
For Nabil and Julie Hannoush – the city has so much to offer – and they are so grateful to be a part of its renaissance.
“We are so focused and driven on Westfield,” said Nabil. “We have laid down our roots in the city.”
