Business Leaders from New York to
Florida Converge at Sikorsky for United
Way Campaign Kick-off

STRATFORD, Conn. (June 7, 2007) On June 6, 2007 business leaders along the East Coast convened at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to launch United Way’s annual campaign. Sikorsky President Jeffrey P. Pino, who is serving as United Way of Eastern Fairfield County’s 2007 Campaign Chair, welcomed guests. Four United Way Campaign Chairs: Fletcher Thompson CEO Michael Marcinek for Valley United Way; Bridges CEO Barry Kasdan for United Way of Milford; UIL Holdings Corporation President & CEO James Torgerson for United Way of Greater New Haven; and retired M&T Bank Vice President Michael Graham for United Way of Duchess County were acknowledged as well.

Pino, who served as keynote speaker for the kick-off breakfast, spoke of his aspirations for the 2007 United Way campaign. He informed guests of Project Graduation, an innovative Sikorsky/United Way partnership to help students graduate high school prepared for college and the work force of the 21st century. To support this initiative, Sikorsky has already made a substantial gift, which is being used to offer comprehensive, integrated services that promote optimal success for all youth. He urged the business and chamber leaders in attendance to “raise every dollar you can, promote volunteerism as passionately as possible in the programs that underpin the education agenda, and if you can’t find the right program to rally behind, create it. Own it. Achieve it. Let nothing stop you.”

During the breakfast, Amy Johnson, 2007 Sikorsky Community Giving Campaign Chair, thanked United Way Chairman of the Board volunteers who came from near and far to participate in the event: Raymond James Financial Services Inc.’s Sergio Mariaca, United Way of Palm Beach County; Alderson Funeral Homes, Inc. President John Ford, United Way of Naugatuck/Beacon Falls; and Iroquois Gas & Transmissions PR Manager Ruth Parkins, Valley United Way.

United Way of Eastern Fairfield County President & CEO Merle Berke Schlessel, Esq. expressed her appreciation to all the participants and requested their continued support: “I hope that as we embark on our United Way 2007-2008 campaigns, you will enthusiastically share with your colleagues, your friends and your workforce your commitment and also encourage theirs. Help us inspire hope and create opportunities.” She spoke of the need for continued collaboration: “ As a system we are in the midst of unprecedented change, which has refocused our work to solve community problems for the benefit of all; we are tied together and interdependent … a seamless enterprise serving the common good.”

Following the kick-off event, participants enjoyed a tour of the Sikorsky plant.

United Way of Eastern Fairfield County’s mission is to mobilize a stronger, more caring community across Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull. Our focus is on what matters. We are bringing people together from all across the community - people from government, business, faith groups, nonprofits, and ordinary citizens - to tackle the issues that matter most. United Way is committed to the bottom line results: the lives we change and the communities we shape. Find out more at www.thewaytocare.org