MCGIVNEY STUDENTS GET HIGH MARKS THANKS TO UNITED WAY,
FLEETBOSTON GRANT

BRIDGEPORT, CT - (November 18, 2003) United Way of Eastern Fairfield County recently distributed $10,000 in funding to the McGivney Community Center, Inc. and its Fleet Tutoring Center. The grant represents an annual award to the program from FleetBoston Financial, and will help the McGivney Center continue its successful mission of enhancing children's educational experience with academic assistance provided by volunteers in the program.

According to Dr. James Crispino, United Way's Senior VP of Community Impact, the grant represents a targeted gift from FleetBoston Financial.

"United Way of Eastern Fairfield County has a long history of partnership with FleetBoston Financial, and we have been the recipient of corporate gifts from that organization for years," Crispino said. "More recently, the company has refocused its philanthropy to specific programs in the communities they serve, and McGivney's Tutoring Center is certainly a perfect fit."

Crispino said the Tutoring Center is providing measurable positive outcomes, and without the funding numerous participants would likely be suffering academically.

"Last year, 16 of the 25 participants in the McGivney Tutoring Program made the honor roll," Crispino said. "In addition, half of the participants showed an overall improvement in their grades, and 24 of the 25 received their best grades ever."

Crispino said the students' achievements are directly attributed to the guidance and empowerment they received through the Fleet-funded program.

United Way of Eastern Fairfield County provides support and funding for several McGivney programs. In the case of the FleetBoston grant, United Way serves as fiduciary.
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