Valley United Way celebrated volunteerism in the Valley with its annual Volunteer of the Year Awards on May 5, 2009 with a reception hosted by John J. Sullivan's Restaurant in Ansonia. An overflow crowd was on hand to pay tribute to the various award winners and to listen to their inspiring stories about volunteer leadership at every level throughout the Valley.  Click on the links below to learn more about this year's winners.

Philip Bliss – Philip Bliss volunteered over 700 hours at Griffin Hospital since 2006. Tracking and coordinating 400 volunteers in 30 departments, Philip manages the hospital’s database and trains staff on its complexities. He is never seen without a smile and routinely frequents the hospital Tuesday and Thursday mornings and afternoons.

Adrienne Cabral – Adrienne Cabral brings hard work, dedication and enthusiasm to every project she takes on. Because of her can-do attitude, she helped TEAM’s major fundraiser, “Men Who Cook,” by volunteering as the Auction Chair and ensured the event’s success. Adrienne also volunteers for Birmingham Group Health Services, Valley United Way and the Valley United Way Corporate Volunteer Council.

Joe Defelice – Joe Defelice volunteers at the Valley Substance Abuse Action Council, Griffin Hospital’s Greater Naugatuck Valley Safe Kids Chapter and the Seymour-Oxford Rotary Club. As a vocal advocate for children and families, Joe can be found helping properly install car seats, teaching CPR and educating elderly on a variety of health issues.

David Mikos – David Mikos is recognized by the Boys and Girls Club as a true life coach using basketball as the vehicle to educate children. He hosts annual fundraisers that provide new uniforms and cover tournament expenses for the club members. Dave also Co-chairs the Mary Beth Corkerey Memorial Golf Tournament, which raises thousands of dollars for cancer relief.
Inez Napolitano – Inez Napolitano taught over 200 girls how to crotchet at the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys and Girls Club in the past five years. She led the club’s efforts in sending crocheted hats and scarves to soldiers serving in Iraq, donated thousands of dollars in gifts to the Boys and Girls Club and builds self-esteem in each of its members. Inez is a team player who concerns herself with educating youth on personal success.
 

Charles M. Stankye III – Charles Stankye, otherwise known as Chuck, demonstrates community service through the Derby Police Department, Connecticut State Firefighters Association and the Boy Scouts of America Housatonic Council. Chuck has been a certified EMT for 34 years, serves as a safety instructor for Griffin Hospital’s babysitting course, teaches infectious disease control, is a Red Cross CPR and first aide instructor and somehow finds time to act as the statistician for Fairfield Prep’s freshman football team.
 

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Christian Cairone, a 14 year old volunteer for the Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton, is wise beyond his years.  Through Christian’s volunteer work, he organized Wii tournaments, trivia games, current event sessions and personally presented Irish Step Dancing performances for residents.  He demonstrates leadership and exhibits a comfort level spanning generations.    

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The Torch Club is a middle school youth service club that completes community projects such as: the Pagliaro Easter Egg Hunt, the Community Garden’s Project, the Riverwalk Clean Up and the SVDP Food Drive.

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Frank Burdo, Mike DeAngelis, Chris Jones, Bill Tortora and Ben Trabka – These contractors played a pivotal role in repairing the Sussan family home.  Each volunteer pulled together, coordinated repairs and completed extensive renovation. 

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Joseph Andreana is the Executive Director of the CT Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs Inc. and an adjunct professor at Sacred Heart University’s School of Business.  In addition to being the President and CEO for the Oxford Economic Development Corporation, Joe has been affiliated with numerous community organizations and foundations.

Dominick Thomas Jr. coaches youth basketball and volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club, Valley United Way, the Valley Bar Association, Catholic Family Services, Valley Advisory Council and a variety of other Oxford groups.

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Basement Systems and its owner Larry Janesky represent one of the great success stories in Valley business both for their growth as the national leader in basement waterproofing and in their growing community involvement in the Valley. Basement Systems and its employees volunteer with a variety of Valley nonprofits including United Way, TEAM, Inc. and Parent Child Resource Center. They have been stalwart members of the Corporate Volunteer Council and are involved in just about every activity from the week of caring projects to the back-to-school projects.

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Back to Volunteer Action Center             A Division of Valley United Way  

For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Action Center at 926-9478. The Center can also be reached by E-Mail by clicking here. 

Revised: July 28, 2009.
Copyright © 2008 by Valley United Way.
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