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National Volunteer Week provided the perfect timing to celebrate the outstanding contributions from companies, organizations, and individuals to Middlesex United Way. On April 23rd, more than 150 people gathered at the Elk's Lodge in Middletown to celebrate a generous community and to learn how much was raised through the campaign in 2008/09. More than 60 honors were announced to organizations running United Way workplace campaigns with the highest honor, the Corporate Spirit Award, going to Jarvis Products Corporation.

Deb Bochain, United Way Campaign Chair and Executive Vice President at Liberty Bank, reported that a total of $2,091,500 was raised through both the community campaign and sponsorships. Bochain extended her appreciation to everyone who contributed to the campaign at one of the most challenging times in our economy. "I relished the opportunity to make a difference," she noted. "For me, it seemed the best time to step up and lead the campaign when it was needed more than ever."

The event was also highlighted by a check presentation from two participants in the Portland Youth Action Council. Portland Middle School students Olivia Briggs and Rebekah Anderson presented a check to Deb Bochain for $150 that the Action Council had raised by holding a dance at the school. Bochain told the students, "Your actions are an inspiration and a reminder that we can all make a difference."

At the conclusion of the program, David Giuffrida of Giuffrida Engineering was announced as the 2009/10 Campaign Chair. In his remarks, Mr. Giuffrida said that, "While the economic forecast is uncertain, what is quite certain is the capacity of people to lend a hand and support their community. When you give to Middlesex United Way," he continued, "You are not just addressing one area of need, you are tackling a wide range of needs that are facing individuals and families across our own community."

2008/09 Community Campaign Award Recipients

Corporate Spirit Award - Jarvis Products Corporation

CEO Leadership Award - Norman Needleman, Tower Labs (pictured top right)

Coordinator of the Year - Elisa Root, Independent Day School

Funding Partner Achievement Award - The Connection, Inc. (Coordinators Denise Calabrese & Heidi Erb pictured bottom right)

Special Achievement Awards
The City of Middletown & Russell Library
East Hampton Schools (pictured middle photo at right)
GKN Aerospace Services Structures
NAPA Connecticut
Shaw's Supermarkets

Loaned Executive Sponsors
Aetna - Liberty Bank - Middlesex Hospital - Pratt & Whitney

Loaned Executive Awards
Mary Lou Kirby, sponsored by Aetna and Pratt & Whitney
Audrey Livingston from Middlesex Hospital
Arlene Satriano from Liberty Bank

Top Ten Awards: Aetna; Citizens Bank; Liberty Bank; Middlesex Hospital; Northeast Utilities; Pratt & Whitney; Stop & Shop Supermarkets; Unilever; Webster Bank; Wesleyan University; and Zygo Corporation

Honor Roll (for achieving five consecutive years of campaign growth): Hobson & Motzer; Liberty Bank; New Alliance Bank; Seasons Federal Credit Union; Suburban Stationers; Tower Labs; and Webster Bank.

LIVE UNITED Employee Participation Awards

10% or Greater Increase in Employee Participation: AAA Allied Group; East Hampton Schools (pictured at left); Godiva Chocolatier; Independent Day School; MARC: Community Resources; Mahoney Sabol & Company; Regional School District #13; Rushford; Shaw's Supermarkets; Silgan Plastics Corporation; The Connection; Town of East Haddam; Town of Haddam; and Town of Portland.

75% or Greater in Employee Participation: A.R. Mazzotta Employment Specialists; Connecticut Legal Services; GKN Aerospace Services Structures; Howard & McMillan; Independent Day School; John J. Driscoll United Labor Agency; KGS Insurance Services; Kuhn Employment Opportunities; MARC: Community Resources; Middlesex Chamber of Commerce; Middlesex County Community Foundation; Middlesex United Way; Nehemiah Housing Corporation; Pelton's Home Health Care Center; PrimePay; Standard-Knapp; Suburban Office Furniture; Suburban Stationers; and Women & Families Center.

50-74% in Employee Participation: East Hampton Schools; Guilmartin, DiPiro & Sokolowski; Liberty Bank; Mahoney Sabol & Company; Masonicare Home Health & Hospice; McCutcheon Burr & Sons and Stone Insurance; Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater; People's United Bank; Seasons Federal Credit Union; and YMCA of Northern Middlesex County.