United Way of Eastern Fairfield County kicked off the 2002 Community Campaign on July 16, 2002, at the 7:05 pm Bridgeport Bluefish baseball game against Atlantic City Surf. Co-chairs Janet and Leo Hansen threw out the ceremonial first pitch following the Girl Scouts of Housatonic Council Choir’s performance of the national anthem.

The first 1,500 adult ticket-holders in attendance received commemorative binoculars donated by the event sponsor, Lamar Outdoor Advertising. Additional sponsors, the Aquarion Company, the Bodine Corporation, the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, the Bridgeport Bluefish, Cox Communications/STAR 99.9 and the United Illuminating Co., donated their skyboxes for United Way volunteers.

Fans also saw the community premiere of the 2002 United Way campaign video, donated by Blue Chip Films of Norwalk.

The event marks the kick off of preparations for the 11th annual Day of Caring, scheduled for September 11, 2002. From 50 volunteers at the program’s inception in 1992 to a goal of 5,000 participants on this year’s Day of Caring, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 11, United Way Day of Caring has become a well loved and much anticipated annual event. United Way will connect volunteers with local agencies and neighborhood projects on Day of Caring to make a positive impact in our communities. Day of Caring will conclude with candlelight vigils throughout southern Connecticut in remembrance of the September 11th attacks.

“There is no better feeling than helping someone in need,” said Rosa J. Correa of Micro Credit Bridgeport, chair of the 2002 Day of Caring Campaign.