DANBURY — United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) hosted its second annual Hometown Heroes Benefit Dinner at the Ethan Allen Hotel, Saturday, March 7. The event honored local businesses and community individuals who distinguish themselves through philanthropy and volunteerism, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Among this year’s 14 Hometown Hero honorees was Newtown’s Robert Geckle.

Mr Geckle has served on numerous private and public sector boards and commissions throughout western Connecticut. Over his many years of public service, he has served on the boards of CBIA, Western Connecticut Health Systems, United Way, Danbury Chamber of Commerce, Newtown Economic Development Commission, Fairfield Hills Master Plan Commission and Authority, and the Newtown C.H. Booth Library Board of Trustees. In addition, he has contributed to many of Newtown’s youth athletic programs and community development projects.

Mr Geckle also served the Town of Newtown in the wake of 12/14 by sitting on a small committee that helped coordinate the various large-scale donations and support from corporations, individuals, celebrities, and athletes. He continues to serve as a key member of a team that is overseeing the $15 million donation from General Electric to the Town of Newtown.

Mr Geckle has more than 45 years of industry experience as an executive with Fortune 100 and privately held industrial and technology-based businesses.

Proceeds from this event will benefit UWWC’s work in support of ALICE families throughout northern Fairfield and southern Litchfield Counties. A United Way acronym, ALICE stands for asset limited, income constrained, employed. These individuals and families are employed — often with more than one job — yet struggle to make ends meet. They live paycheck to paycheck and are forced to make hard choices regarding their health care, childcare, transportation, and housing needs. ALICE families often earn too much to qualify for social services.

UWWC provides support through financial coaching, access to food banks, and availability of early childhood literacy programs, among others.