"Invest in a Caring Community"

Valley United Way's Campaign Kickoff 

Tom Sutnik served as emcee

There was something for everyone as Valley United Way officially kicked off the beginning of its 1999-2000 Community fund Raising Campaign with a Kickoff Reception hosted by Pitney Bowes Credit Corp. in Shelton. United Way President Tom Sutnik served as the master of ceremonies for the evening.

Welcoming remarks were also given by Matt Kissner, CEO of Pitney Bowes Credit Corp. He spoke of Pitney Bowes strong commitment to the community and urged others in the audience to help the Valley community by supporting the annual campaign. Shelton Mayor, Mark Lauretti, echoed those sentiments in giving a welcoming from the host community.

Prior to the start of the speaking program, guests had the opportunity to tour Griffin Hospital's new Mobile Health Resource Van. The van will be available throughout this year's campaign for area employers while they are doing their United Way campaigns. In a related effort, the Valley's chief elected officials also announced and signed a proclamation designating October as Breast Cancer Awareness in the Valley.

Sutnik then recognized members of the Corporate Volunteer Council and other volunteers who participated in the Back-to-School Clothes for Kids Project and the Week of Caring. Their efforts clothed 132 needy children for the new school year at Peck School in Ansonia as well as renovating the Ansonia Community Action Center in the north end of Ansonia.

Joe Pagliaro, Sr. introduced the members of the Campaign Cabinet and announced a $950,000 goal for this year's campaign which represents about a 5% increase over last year's results. Joe also recognized a number of area firms who have set the tone for a successful campaign by running Pacesetter Campaigns that have already had major increase over those of a year ago.

Tom Sutnik then introduced the new Campaign Video produced by Tele-Media Cable. It tells the story of individuals using four of  the agencies funded by Valley United Way.

Throughout the evening, guests were entertained by the fabulous sounds of the Shake Shifters band. They were also treated a "Double Dutch" exhibition by children from the Tinney Community Center in Ansonia. Allison Younkin, Valley United Way's Connecticut Promise Fellow has been working with the group for several months.

At the end of the program, everyone in attendance was presented with a copy of the new Valley Heritage Driving Tour brochure and map. The guide was produced by the Healthy Valley 2000 project which is based at United Way. They were also given special piggy banks bearing the United Way logo. Sutnik urged people to take them home or to their offices and to display them as a reminder of the importance of the annual campaign to the quality of life of the entire community. Pagliaro invited everyone to join him in a celebration of a successful campaign at the United Way annual meeting to be held in March, 2000.