“World’s Largest Kettle”
at Captain’s Cove for Local Kids

BRIDGEPORT, CT - (June 7, 2005) On Friday, June 10 the “World’s Largest Kettle for Campers” will be at Captain’s Cove Marina in Bridgeport. Is it actually the world's largest kettle? Maybe not, but its intentions are huge.

United Way’s Kettles for Campers initiative aims to raise enough money to provide summer camp scholarships for 100 local children. On May 6 and 7, volunteers took the kettles to local stores in the greater Bridgeport community and raised enough to send 25 children to camp. The group hopes to reach its goal of 100 by 7:00 pm Friday.

United Way and the Salvation Army launched the Kettles for Campers initiative last year when traditional summer camp scholarship funding dropped by 75%. “Summer camp is such an important experience for children, especially children from the inner city. We certainly couldn’t just stand by and tell 75% of the kids, ‘Sorry, there is no money,’” said United Way’s Senior Vice President of Community Impact, James A. Crispino, PhD. Last year, Kettles for Campers raised more than $4,000; the goal this year is to raise $10,000 to enable local children to attend seven local summer camps. The Kettles for Campers drive marks the only appearance, other than the December holiday season, of the iconic Salvation Army red kettles. Participating camps receive 100% of the proceeds.

The event at Captain’s Cove promises to provide a fun afternoon for everyone. Volunteers will be at the Cove from Noon to 7:00 pm. WEBE 108 FM will broadcast live from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. , the United Way and Salvation Army partnership engages a number of other local organizations. “We have seven local camps who work with us,” stated Major Michael C. Sharpe, commanding officer of the Salvation Army of Greater Bridgeport. “They help staff the kettles to raise the money, and then provide a wholesome summer camp experience for children in need.” The Captain's Cove event is made possible through the generosity of sponsors Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, PC and WEBE 108 FM.

While the majority of the children requesting scholarships reside in Bridgeport, the need extends well beyond the city’s borders. According to Carol Liguori of Camp Tepee in Trumbull, there is a growing need for scholarships among the working poor and middle class. “If, in a single parent household, the breadwinner loses her job, you have a need for assistance,” she said. Additionally, summer camps frequently offer a positive alternative to children staying home alone during the summer while their parents work. “Working parents not only need a safe and stimulating summer camp environment for their children but also a reliable situation that allows them to go to work,” said Lou Perno, Executive Director of Sterling House in Stratford.

Those interested in contributing can also send a check or money order to United Way Kettles for Campers at 75 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, 06604. More information on Kettles for Campers is available on United Way’s website - <www.thewaytocare.org> or by calling Dr. Crispino directly at 203-334-5106, ext. 319.

United Way of Eastern Fairfield County is in the business of building a stronger, more caring community across Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull. Our focus is on what matters. Research and experience tells us that the best way to help the most people is to focus on the root causes of the most serious problems. It takes the whole community - working together- to make that happen. So we bring people together from all across the community - people from government, business, faith groups, nonprofits, and ordinary citizens- to tackle the issues that matter most. United Way is committed to the bottom line results: the lives we change and the communities we shape.

Participating Camps Include:

Salvation Army Camps
Lakewood - Trumbull YMCA
Sterling House Community Center
Hall Neighborhood House
Cardinal Shehan Center
Stratford YMCA
Music and Arts Center for Humanity