JOAN GRABE HONORED WITH NORMAN LEEDS AWARD

The following is text of the press release sent out in anticipation of the presentation. To view event highlights, go to our "What's New" page.

United Way of Eastern Fairfield County will present the prestigious Norman Leeds Award for community service to Southport resident Joan H. Grabe at its January 31 Celebration of Community Leaders at the Bridgeport Arena at Harbor Yard. The award has been presented annually since 1963 by the United Way Staff to a volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to the Community Campaign. The award was created in memory of father and son, Norman Leeds Sr. and Jr. Norman Leeds, Sr. played a vital role in founding the Bridgeport Community Chest in 1921 and continued in its leadership throughout the 1920’s. Norman Leeds, Jr. was very active in the United Fund of Eastern Fairfield County during the 1950’s. The organization became United Way of Eastern Fairfield County in the 1970’s.

“Joan has been a remarkable United Way volunteer, truly in the spirit of Norman Leeds and his son,” commented Merle Berke-Schlessel, Esq., president and Chief Professional Officer of the organization. “Since relocating to Southport two years ago she has generously focused her attention on our United Way and her commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in the greater Bridgeport region is inspiring.” Berke-Schlessel noted that United Way’s focus on identifying community issues and working with a solid core of volunteers and professionals to fund solutions attracted Grabe. “We fund a network of programs and services; through United Way, you can impact an entire community. Our outcome is measurable results.”

Grabe has served in a number of capacities with United Way including as a member of the Allocations Council and the Campaign Cabinet. She and her husband, Bill, have made a personal commitment to the community as Alexis de Tocqueville givers. This past year Joan chaired the Alexis de Tocqueville Society’s fundraising efforts. Her “behind the scenes” work has positioned our local chapter for explosive growth in the upcoming year. Additionally, Joan has offered her expertise on several campaign events and has generously opened her home to help share the mission of United Way.

In addition to her volunteer service with United Way, Grabe is actively involved with the Pequot Library, Southport Congregational Church, and A Better Chance. A Better Chance is a Westport organization that is currently renovating a site that will house up to eight highly motivated minority students from outside Fairfield County who will attend Staples High School in Westport. The home is slated to open in September 2002.  There are similar programs in operation in Wilton, Darien and New Canaan.

Joan and her husband Bill have been married for 41 years. They have four grown children and two grandchildren. They split their time between Southport, Connecticut and Sanibel, Florida.

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