United Way of Eastern Fairfield County was recently honored by the American Red Cross of Southeastern Fairfield County for surpassing the $1 million mark in long term giving to the local agency. United Way President and Chief Professional Officer Merle Berke-Schlessel, Esq. and United Way Board Chair Mark A. Fries were joined by Dianne Auger, Executive Director of the regional Red Cross organization for a brief ceremony to mark the occasion.

Auger presented the United Way with a commemorative plaque to mark the important milestone for both agencies.

"The plaque I gave to United Way was in recognition of the United Way's long term giving totaling more than $1 million to the Southeastern Fairfield County Chapter, putting the United Way of Eastern Fairfield County in the "Founder's Circle" of the Henri Dunant Society," Auger said. "This is the highest recognition we have, representing the founder of the International Red Cross Movement, Henri Dunant."

Fries said the local partnership between United Way and the Red Cross has resulted in enhanced programming and access to services that have touched countless local residents and families.

"This is far more than an administrative formality between two of the most widely recognized public service agencies in our region and across the nation," Fries said following the presentation. "This partnership literally benefits families here and half way around the world - from supporting life-saving blood drives, swimming lessons, CPR training and disaster response, to our local sons and daughters serving in the military who receive messages from home via Red Cross communication networks."

Berke-Schlessel said the million-dollar honor marks an important moment in the agencies' partnership.

"United Way's relationship with the Red Cross represents just one example of the many dozens of partnerships we maintain in the Bridgeport region that reinforce our community impact mission," Berke-Schlessel said. "But when you consider the sum of one million dollars for this agency alone, you begin to get an idea of the level of investment and trust our United Way donors place in our agency and its mission every day. And we are proud to receive this honor, it is a direct reflection of that commitment and level of community trust."

For further information, please contact: Andrea Kovacs, Sr. VP, Marketing and Community Relations at United Way, 334-5106, ext. 309 or via email (preferred) at akovacs@thewaytocare.org.

United Way focuses on what matters, and builds stronger communities by supporting nearly 80 health and human service programs that helped more than 180,000 people last year. United Way funded programs impact a range of critical services in its six town service area including Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull. A complete list of local United Way partners and initiatives, and a link to United Way's Virtual Volunteer Center can be found on the website, www.thewaytocare.org.