story & photos
by Alexis Ann
Tom Kasprzak, of Chelsea Bank and United Way of Southeastern Connecticut’s 2008 Campaign Chair, announced a goal of $9.1M at a gathering held at Branford House, Avery Point, Groton, on September 17th. This money will fund critical human service programs in New London County.
Tom thanked everyone in attendance for their generous support, especially, “That man right there, my boss, Chelsea Bank president, Duncan Stoddard. He makes it all possible.”
Tom then introduced the 2008 Campaign Vice Chair, Charlie Jaskiewicz. Charlie announced that, “The campaign season got off to an excellent start thanks to the 2008 “Trailblazers.” Trailblazers are organizations that participate in early campaigns and have committed to a 15% increase over their previous year’s campaign.
This year’s Trailblazer chair, Randy Murallo of The Day, recognized 2008 Trailblazers: 
AFSCME Council #4, Local 1303
AFSCME Council #4, Police Local 1948
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
Chelsea Groton Bank
The Day Publishing Company
Eastern Federal Bank
IAF Local 4629, Uniformed Professional Firefighters
Ledge Light Federal Credit Union
OPEIU Local 106, AFL-CIO
Proto Power Corporation
Sava Insurance Group, Inc.
Sennheiser
Town of Waterford
Waterford Schools
Waterford Federation of Teachers Local 2038
UE Local 222-CILU Local 19
William W. Backus Hospital
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut
The Second Annual Tocqueville Society Award was presented to John and Deirdre Casey of General Dynamics Electric Boat by Tocqueville Society co-chairs Dr. John and Mary LaMattina. This award is presented to members of the Society who continually demonstrate their commitment and leadership to the health and well-being of SE CT. Society members are those who make a gift of $10,000 and above.
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is a non-profit organization that improves the lives of people who live and work in New London County and strengthens the community through local health and human service programs. Programs and partnerships that the UW support improves community wellness, help children thrive, supply basic human needs, and provide training and education for jobs.
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$150,000 Added to Project Warm Up
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut announces that the Board of Directors approved up to an additional $150,000 for Project Warm Up, a heating assistance program administered by United Way. In total, $225,000 will be allocated to this program to prepare for this heating season. Project Warm Up provides fuel assistance for those who exhausted all other avenues of support or may fall short of income guidelines for other programs.
In conjunction with heating assistance, families will have assigned a case manager who will evaluate the families’ circumstances and connect them with additional social services to help provide them with various resources during their time of need.
Ken Hinrichs, United Way President and CEO states, “We have to be ready to help our friends and neighbors during this heating season. This year will be tough, and we are hoping to help the same number of families as last year, however the need will be greater.” Last year, Project Warm Up assisted 498 families in New London County.
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Alexis, Thank you for coming to our event and for the wonderful coverage. It is always a pleasure to see you. We very much appreciate your support as we work to help those in need in this community.
Have a lovely day.