BAHJAT SHARIFF is this year’s recipient of the Ben Mondor Award, which is given by the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce to a member who exhibits a philanthropic spirit. Shariff is the operating partner and senior vice president of operations for Howley Bread Group Ltd. in Lincoln, a franchisee of Panera LLC that owns and operates Panera Bread Co. bakery-cafes in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts and Connecticut. He said Children’s Friend in Providence has been “our charitable organization since we opened our first Panera in Cranston” in 2000 and has raised more than $800,000 for it since then. He said the change in donation boxes from the 11 locations in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts goes to the child welfare organization, and Howley Bread Group has served as sponsor of the Children’s Friend Walk every year for the last 16 years.
What was your reaction to the Chamber selecting you for the Ben Mondor Award? I was really caught off guard. There are some amazing leaders in northern Rhode Island [who] give generously with their time and resources, and I was truly humbled when I received the call from Elizabeth Catucci, who is CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber. I appreciate the recognition and I am very proud to be part of the community.
What is your primary motivation for pursuing your philanthropic efforts in the community? Growing up in Boy Scouts, I am accustomed to being involved in my community, and giving back is in my DNA. I think every person can make a difference. We all have that responsibility to give on any level. I have raised five children in Cumberland and have lived there for 20 years. I am fortunate to be part of such a wonderful community. I came to this country at the age of 18 to go to college, and many people helped me along the way and mentored me and opened doors for me to grow, and now it’s my turn to help others do the same.
What lessons have you learned that guide you with your career, as well as your charitable endeavors? My mother and father always talked to me about treating people with respect, [challenging] yourself and being a good example.
What do you see as your primary philanthropic goal, and how do you hope to accomplish it? I love to make a difference in a child’s education, their lives and careers. I mentor many younger adults and kids to help them see a brighter future and I would love to really make an impact in this area one day.
Are there any interesting philanthropic endeavors that you are embarking on, and why did you choose those? My wife and I have been foster parents for years, and I serve on a few boards, [such as] the Rhode Island Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association [and] on a development committee with Children’s Friend. Supporting and helping my fellow restaurant owners and operators is another passion for me and I am proud to be a part of their community, as well.
