Valley Organization Celebrates 50 Years

                                                                       (Photos Courtesy of Fred Ortoli)

Valley United Way celebrated 50 years of service on Thursday, September 21st, 2017 with their annual Campaign Kickoff and Seventh Harvest House at Veterans Park Pavilion.

During the day, more than 200 volunteers helped dozens of companies deliver food to our Seventh Harvest House where we collected over 100,000 items of food which were then donated to the five food pantries who service the Valley community.

Later that afternoon at 5:30 p.m., Valley United Way kicked off their campaign year with an afternoon full of community harmony, laughter, and service.

The event included a wonderful performance by Center Stage, live music, food trucks, and an inspiring speech from our keynote speaker, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, who spoke about the significant work of Valley United Way and the importance of working together to address food insecurity. This event would not have been possible without our gracious sponsors: BIC Corporation, Edgewell Personal Care, Newtown Savings Bank, and Pitney Bowes.

Valley United Way has set a goal to raise $1.1 million dollars by June 30th by working together with our local business owners, corporations, employees and residents to raise, invest and leverage funds. United Way fights for every person in every community and we can’t do it without the community’s support.

Leading this year’s efforts is Valley United Way’s Campaign Chair, Jimmy Tickey! Jimmy has a strong sense of service to his community and has been involved with the Valley United Way since he was in the Valley United Way Youth Leadership Program. He is proud to lead the Valley United Way Community Campaign this year and is looking forward to working with community leaders, businesses and residents as we collectively fight for a stronger community. Working as a team, Jimmy hopes to strengthen families across the Valley, encourage youth to succeed and assist people in crisis.
  
Several companies and organizations have already begun planning for their campaigns and this month we will begin in all five of our school districts, the City of Derby and City of Ansonia.
If you, your business or company is interested in Working for a Stronger Community alongside Valley United Way, call Daniel Pearson, Resource Development Manager today at (203) 926-9478 or email daniel.pearson@valleyunitedway.org. And be sure to stay connected to the campaign on our website!

For more information, please contact Daniel at Valley United Way at (203) 926-9478 or daniel.pearson@valleyunitedway.org.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Dugatto Thanks Derby Voters

(The following is a letter to Derby citizens from Mayor Anita Dugatto)

 Derby is Stronger Together

DERBY - Thank you to all the voters who took time out of their busy lives on September 12 to vote in Derby’s Democratic Primary for Mayor.  

 

I am honored and humbled to have received the Democratic nomination for Mayor of Derby with my victory on September 12.  I couldn’t have done it without the support and confidence of countless volunteers and community members. I am deeply grateful for their efforts.

 

Turnout was strong.  I think this was due, in large part, to the interest our residents have in the

success of our city.  Over the past four years, we have worked hard to engage our citizens, to let them know they truly have a voice in their community and that their opinions matter. September 12 was a demonstration that our message was heard loud and clear.

 

When I was a child, my father worked at Derby’s Hull Dye and my mother stayed at home caring for me and my seven siblings while trying to make ends meet.  My parents, my neighbors, and many others showed me at a young age what a hard day of work looks like.  While the livelihoods of Derby’s residents may have changed over the years, one thing hasn’t - their strong work ethic. I believe in this city because I know that, if given the opportunity, each and every Derby resident has the drive and ability to succeed. That is why it’s so important to ensure that we are providing opportunities in our community for our residents to thrive.
 

Rather than looking for differences in each other - whether it be our ancestry, our political affiliation, or our income - we need to unite as people who are proud to call Derby home and who are working together to move us forward.
 

As the primary campaign season progressed, one thing became more and more apparent to me:  Mr. DiCenso and I are more alike than we are different.  We share the same level of passion for the community we grew up in - our knowledge of the challenges and our ideas for the solutions are, in fact, quite complimentary.  This shared perspective is an inherent strength.
 

Tremendous progress is being made in Derby.  When I look around our city, I see more businesses opening here, I see better parks, better roads, and better schools. These accomplishments were the result of dedication, collaboration, and a shared interest in the common good by members of Derby’s diverse community.  That diversity is important to ensure all citizens are represented.  

I humbly ask for your support again on November 7. Together we control the progress of Derby.  We will show that a shared vision for our community will prevail. 

 

Derby Mayoral Candidate Set to Knock on Doors

DERBY - In regards to Mayor Dugatto opening headquarters...fortunately for me, she and Mr. Dicenso have to spend quite a bit of time over the next couple weeks focusing intently on one another, since they are effectively splitting the Democratic party.

 

Meanwhile, I'm about to start walking door to door to inform the citizens of Derby what I plan to do differently than the current Mayor. I think the failures of this administration have been pretty well documented, and anyone who considers Derby "in good shape" at this point after two terms with Anita and Carmen in charge, must not be paying attention. Most of the people I've spoken to are completely frustrated with the lack of transparency, petty political games, and mostly... the mismanagement of their tax dollars.
 

My team and I have already begun to ramp up our campaign efforts not only in person, but also online. My second fundraiser is coming up in 2 weeks at the CWV, and I look forward to the challenges ahead. I think it's hard for the average citizen to focus on the the municipal elections of November in July, but those who are involved in politics have already been working behind the scenes for months in preparation.
 

Good luck to the Mayor, I'm glad to see she is pushing hard to get re-elected, because that's exactly the kind of effort the people of Derby deserve from their elected officials all the time, not just in the months leading up to an election.

 

(This is a press release from Dziekan's campaign)

Valley United Way Exceeds Fundraising Goal

SHELTON- After 10 years of nearly reaching the Campaign goal, Valley United Way is happy to announce they have met and exceeded the 1 million dollar goal set for the 2016-2017 year. Valley United Way has raised over $1,050,000, $50,000 over the Campaign goal.

“Thanks in part to all those who contributed to the Valley United Way, we have reached our $1 million Campaign goal this year. I am grateful to all those who supported our efforts, and our community will be better - and stronger - ​because of it,” said Jimmy Tickey, the Valley United Way Campaign Chair.

“The Valley United Way makes a difference in the lives of hard working people who ​struggle to make ends meet, senior citizens who need assistance, young people who are being prepared for a bright future and communities who are responding to crisis’, said Tickey. ‘The Valley United Way is working each and every day to alleviate these concerns, and is thinking strategically about their work so there are more long-term solutions.”

​Valley United Way has been in the community for 49 years and thanks to the generosity of donors, Valley United Way has been able to invest over $35 million into helping youth, providing basic needs and working to prevent crisis. “The Valley is a caring community and it is not surprising that the community is so generous. Congratulations to the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly on the Campaign,” said Sharon Gibson-Ellis, President & COO of Valley United Way.

Valley United Way has many great programs that exist and are successful because of the community’s generosity. They aid in food insecurity for Valley families in need with programs such as Harvest House and the Grow Your Own program. Grown Your Own allows low income families to have a support system to grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables and Harvest House is a house made from food and that is given to five food pantries in the Valley. The Back to School Program, another great program, provides clothing and school supplies that are needed for the initial start of the school year. The Corporate Volunteer Council is credited for the Harvest House and Back to School Program.

If an individual or company would like to find out more information on how to participate in either donating funds, volunteering time or donating in kind donations, please contact Valley United Way at 203-926-9478 or email: sharon.gibson@valleyunitedway.org

For more information on Valley United Way, their funded partners and the programs and services they provide please visit www.valleyunitedway.org and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Below is a clip of the meeting on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY7k3KXSaEw&feature=youtu.be

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

State Rep. Gentile Pushes Bill that Targets "Dark Money"

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, Derby, joined her colleagues in a press conference today to discuss legislation designed to shed light on and reduce the amount of special interest “dark money” in state election campaigns.
 

“Voters deserve to know who is financing a campaign,” Gentile said. “This bill not only increases transparency and trust between the public and the government, but it will also ensure that candidates are elected to office by their constituents and not by third party special interest groups.” 

 

The bill, HB5589, An Act Concerning Campaign Financing Reform, would:

• Require corporate political expenditures to be approved by their board of directors and disclosed to shareholders
• Limit contributions to organizations making independent expenditures to an aggregate of $70,000 in a calendar year
• Ban foreign influenced entities from making independent expenditures or contributing to an organization that does

(This is a press release from Gentile's office)

Dugatto to Host Campaign Kick-off Fundraiser

DERBY- Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto announced that she will be hosting a campaign kick-off fundraiser on  Wednesday, March 22 at the Derby Elk’s Lodge, 73 Elizabeth St. from 5 to 7 p.m.

Dugatto sees the event as a way for her to share her ideas for Derby with supporters and residents while learning about what is important to them.

“We have worked hard to make Derby's city government more accessible and responsive to the community it serves," Dugatto said. "The improvements evolved from understanding the needs of our citizens through better communication.  Let’s continue that dialogue to keep moving Derby in the right direction.” 

The event will feature a pasta dinner and cash bar.  Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in advance by visiting Dugatto’s Facebook page at Dugatto for Mayor. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the event.

(This is a press release from Dugatto's campaign manager)

Gentile Gets CT Working Families Endorsement

The Gentile 2016 campaign is proud to announce that Linda has received the endorsement of the Connecticut Working Families Party.  As an endorsed candidate, Linda’s name will appear on the Working Families Party ballot line, Row C, for the November General Election.

“I am so honored to have received this endorsement," said Gentile. "The Working Families Party and its members embrace the same values that I hold near and dear to my heart.  Things like jobs and wage equality; public education; student debt crisis; and fair share tax policy, just to name a few.  I am committed to working for an economy that works for all of us and the WFP endorsement is validation of that commitment.  I want to thank the Working Families Party for their endorsement and I look forward to continuing good work to create and expand job opportunities and improve our local economies.”

(This is a press release from Gentile's campaign)

United Way kicks off 46th annual campaign at Shelton event

Members of Valley United Way’s Campaign Cabinet were introduced at Tuesday's kickoff. Pictured from left are: Lauren Price-Kazzi, Jimmy Tickey, Mike Gnibus, Janice Sheehy, Fred Ortoli, Bill Purcell, Bill Pucci, Alan Mogride, Robert Gambardella, Ron Villani, and Suzanne Major. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Valley United Way kicked off its 46th Annual Community Campaign Tuesday at Hubbell Inc. in Shelton. 
This year's campaign goal is $1,050,000.
Though relatively new in the Valley, Hubbell Inc. is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year - just one year younger than United Way.
Hubbell has been a longtime supporter of United Way and that support has only grown stronger since its move to Shelton where its campaign is in the top three in the entire Valley.

Remarks were made by Fred Ortoli, Chair of the Board of Directors, Mayor Mark Lauretti, John McFarland, United Way Board Member from Hubbell, Tom Steeves, 2013-2014 Campaign Chair, and Jack Walsh, President and Chief Operating Officer, Valley United Way. 

This year’s Campaign Underwriters are Webster Bank, Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C., Edward F. Adzima & Riverview Funeral Homes, Fred Ortoli Photography, Griffin Hospital, Iroquois Pipeline Operating Co., Ned Miller Agency, A Division of Starkweather & Shepley Insurance, Townline Self-Storage LLC, and Venman & Co. LLC.

The Campaign Cabinet includes Alan Mogridge, Bill Pucci, Bill Purcell, Chris Hill, Frank Michaud, Fred Ortoli, Janice Sheehy, Jimmy Tickey, Lauren Price Kazzi, Melissa Pucci, Mike Caleca, Mike Gnibus, Robert Gambardella, Ron Villani, Suzanne Major, Tom Steeves, and Tom Sutnik. 

New Special Issues grant

At the kickoff the Board of Directors at Valley United Way announced a new Special Issues grant opportunity in the amount of $25,000. 
The issue that the board is focusing on is Early Childhood Education in the Valley. 
This area was identified in the Valley Cares Quality of Life report as an area where the Valley could do better, and there has been a growing movement (Early Childhood Task Force & Graustein Memorial Fund Discovery Grants) in the Valley creating an infrastructure that has been facilitating progress.
Valley United Way will give a preference to collaborative efforts that can demonstrate measurable outcomes. 
Preference will also be given to programs that have parental involvement. Applications will be accepted immediately, and an announcement of the successful grant(s) applications will be made at the end of October.

Series of workshops

Valley United Way also announced it is instituting a periodic series of workshops and seminars designed to help individuals and families with financial planning.
United Way will be partnering with leading experts in all areas of economic importance to provide the free series of programs. The first sessions in the series will be hosted by Barnum Financial at its offices, 6 Corporate Drive. 
The first program on Oct. 22 will focus on the importance and benefits of financial planning. On Oct. 29 there will be a second program designed for people in their 20s and 30s on the typical financial decision that they would be dealing with at that time. 

A program to be held at United Way on Nov. 19 will be presented by United Way Board member Thomas Sutnik, a former judge of probate and expert on estate planning,  who will speak on estate planning.
Future topics in the series will include buying a home, planning for college, retirement planning and Social Security among others.

          For more information about Valley United Way visit www.valleyunitedway.org, visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ValleyUW or call 203-926-9478.


This is a press release from Valley United Way.

Valley United Way names campaign chairman

Tom Steeves

Tom Steeves, Executive Vice President and Partner at Install Media Group, LLC will chair the 2013-2014 Annual Community Campaign. 

Steeves brings a wealth of experience and a high level of enthusiasm to his new challenge. He was named Valley United Way Volunteer Center's "Volunteer of the Year" in 2012, and he is a graduate of Leadership Greater Valley, a joint project of United Way, the Valley Council for Health & Human Services and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.
 

Steeves is also involved with many other Valley groups. He has been a member of the United Way's Corporate Volunteer Council and was the Chairman of the Young Emerging Professionals committee at the Greater Valley Chamber from 2011 to 2012.

He has participated in the Griffin Golf Classic planning committee for the last two years and has been instrumental in helping with fund-raising efforts for many initiatives in the Valley.

Jack Walsh, President and C.O.O. at Valley United Way, said the Board of Directors is especially pleased that Steeves is taking on the role after several years of involvement with United Way in which he saw the important role United Way plays in the community.

“Tom got involved with United Way through his own personal volunteer activity with the Corporate Volunteer Council and the more he learned about United Way, the greater his involvement became,” he said.
He also noted Steeves' daughter Alexia had been a member of United Way’s Youth Leadership Program, and that Steeves was also a graduate of Leadership Greater Valley.

When asked why he is taking on the role of campaign chair, Steeves said he believes that the Valley is a very special place and that everyone plays a role in making our community a better place to live, work and play. The annual campaign plays a pivotal role in supporting many needed services in the Valley.  

Steeves remarked, "Some say that the generations following the baby boomers are not as involved in their community or as charitable as those before them. I have learned first-hand that is not the case, and during the upcoming campaign I am hopeful that all of you will join me in proving once again that the Annual Community Campaign is the one place where our Valley community joins together to meet the diverse needs of our community."

Steeve's campaign theme sums up his philosophy on what it will take to make the campaign a success:
 

Look around  

Get involved  

Make a Difference

The campaign will officially kick-off in September, but Steeves is already busy planning for this year’s campaign and assembling his campaign cabinet.

* * *

Valley United Way is the leading philanthropic resource for the Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton matching the needs of the community and the interests of donors to improve the quality of life in the community. 

This post is taken from a press release from Jack Walsh, President and C.O.O., Valley United Way.

GOP fundraiser slated in Derby

DERBY -  Tony Szewczyk will host a cocktail party fundraiser from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 4 at La Sala at Sons of Italy, 73 High St.
Szewczyk, a Republican, is running in the 17th District against 10-term incumbent state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge.
Admission is $35.
Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.Tony4Senator17.com or by contacting Judy Szewczyk, 203-906-3602.

Valley United Way to kick off annual campaign

SHELTON - Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, neighbors of all ages…
You’re invited to the Live United 2012-2013 Community Campaign Kickoff for Valley United Way!  Please join us Sept. 13 at the Valley United Way office and Center Stage Theater, 54 Grove St. 
Valley United Way will be bringing together the Valley community as they raise the curtain on an old-time tradition, the annual United Way campaign. 
Each year, Valley United Way works with corporations, small businesses and individuals to raise funds to support 24 local agencies that serve the community.
These agencies help youth succeed, strengthen families, and help people in crisis in the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.
Showtime is from 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Come check out our brand new converted office in the old Lafayette School, sit back for brief remarks, starring Joe Pagliaro Jr. our campaign chair, and enjoy some refreshments.
To attend, RSVP by Sept. 10 by visiting us at www.valleyunitedway.org, or call 203-926-9478. 
Everyone who registers online will be entered into a special drawing to receive two tickets to a Center Stage production! 
We hope to see you at curtain call! 

The kickoff event is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Prudential Annuities.

Valley United Way is the leading philanthropic resource for the Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton matching the needs of the community and the interests of donors to improve the quality of life in the community. United Way supports and creates initiatives addressing youth, families and people in crisis. Each year Valley United Way funds programs and organizations that make a measurable difference in the lives of people living and working in the Valley.

The above information was taken from a press release from Valley United Way.