BRIDGEPORT, CT - While people across America area were busy ordering roses, chocolates and other gifts for Valentine's Day, the United Way of Eastern Fairfield County and dozens of Bridgeport area service organizations were busy throwing bouquets to individuals who put their hearts into volunteering. The dedicated honorees, including many from the greater Bridgeport area, received awards during the 'Annual Celebration of Community Builders,' at Bridgeport's Arena at Harbor Yard, Feb. 13.

Among those recognized were:
Mort Bernstein of Bridgeport, who was nominated for his volunteer work at Roosevelt School.
Marta Calderon of Bridgeport, who was nominated for her volunteer work at PEARL (Parent Education And Resident Leadership, Inc.)
Rev. Demetrios Recachinas of Bridgeport, who was nominated for his volunteer work at the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport.
John Stafstrom of Bridgeport, who was nominated for his volunteer work at Career Resources.
Donna Thompson-Bennett of Bridgeport, who was nominated for her volunteer work at RYASAP (Regional Youth and Adult Substance Abuse Project.)
Sylvia K. Walter of Bridgeport, who was nominated for her volunteer work at Jewish Family Services.

Peter Ambrose, Esq. of Fairfield, who was nominated for his volunteer work at Fairfield Community Services, Inc.
Gladys Ferguson-Gress of Fairfield, who was nominated for his/her volunteer work at The Salvation Army.
Edna Miller of Fairfield, who was nominated for her volunteer work at the Mercy Learning Center.
Ruth Price of Fairfield, who was nominated for her volunteer work at Micah Housing.
Dr. Robert Tremaglio of Fairfield, who was nominated for his volunteer work at Wakeman Boys & Girls Club.
Lisa Turnick of Fairfield, who was nominated for her volunteer work at the Jewish Center for Community Services.
Nancy Zeldes of Fairfield, who was nominated for his/her volunteer work at the Child Guidance Center of Greater Bridgeport.

Laura Franze of Milford, who was nominated for her volunteer work at Girl Scouts of the Housatonic Council.
Kathleen Miller of Milford, who was nominated for her volunteer work at United Visiting Nurse Association.

Carly Wolfe of Monroe, who was nominated for her volunteer work at the American Red Cross of Southeastern Fairfield County.

Richard T. Meehan, Jr. of Shelton, who was nominated for his volunteer work at Catholic Family Services, Bridgeport.
Cheryl Tedesco of Shelton, who was nominated for her volunteer work at Big Brothers Big Sisiters of Southwestern Connecticut.

Fran Carson from Stratford, who was nominated for his volunteer work at the Sterling House Community Center.
Laura Caselli from Stratford, who was nominated for her volunteer work at Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut.
Dolores O'Neill from Stratford, who was nominated for her volunteer work at Bridgeport Hospital.

Alice Ferriera of Trumbull, who was nominated for her volunteer work at The Kennedy Center.
Michael J. Knight of Trumbull, who was nominated for his volunteer work at Bridge House.
Michael Niedermeier, who was nominated for his volunteer work at the Cardinal Shehan Center.

Anne Barton of Westport, who was nominated for her volunteer work at Literacy Volunteers of America (SE Fairfield County)
Austin Kurtz of Westport, who was nominated for his volunteer work at the Charles Smith Foundation.

Several hundred family members and supporters joined Community Builder honorees in the ceremony at Bridgeport's Arena, according to the agency's President and Chief Professional Officer, Merle Berke-Schlessel, Esq. The event also provided an opportunity for the agency to conduct its Annual Meeting and installation of new board members.

"Here are three dozen volunteers who just want to make a difference in their community by donating their time or otherwise supporting local nonprofit agencies," she said. "But it is important for everyone to note that these individuals represent thousands just like them. I know none of these people look for, or expect recognition, so a pat on the back from the agencies and members of our community was worth its weight in gold to many of these volunteers."

For the first time, every nonprofit and public service agency in the local United Way's six-town service area, regardless of United Way affiliation, were invited to nominate a 'Community Builder' candidate from among their volunteers, said Berke-Schlessel.

"The United Way of Eastern Fairfield County recognizes the fantastic efforts being put forth by agencies in this tough economy," she said. "Demands are skyrocketing, and budgets are extremely tight, so we didn't want to limit the opportunity to recognize generosity to just local United Way partners. When someone calls for help, there shouldn't be any perception of boundaries among the many worthy organizations that answer that call."

The 'Community Builders' along with the Norman Leeds and Spirit of Caring Award recipients marched across the floor of the arena led by Bridgeport's Central High School Marching Band, under the direction of Joseph DeGroate. At that point, officials from the agency convened the Annual Meeting, during which a new slate of board officers was introduced. Among the new leadership is incoming Chairman of the Board Mark A. Fries of Beardsley, Brown and Bassett.

United Way builds a stronger community by raising funds to support 78 local health and human service programs that helped more than 180,000 people last year. United Way funded programs are involved in a range of critical services serving the six towns of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.
airfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.