The evening’s events were in recognition of the volunteers and companies, through whose collective efforts, helped raise United Way’s most profitable campaign to date. This annual campaign celebration and awards ceremony provided an opportunity to recognize the numerous volunteers and companies that contribute their time, energy, and resources to United Way. It was a time to say “thank you” on behalf of the 68 area health and human service programs that benefit annually from United Way funding.

John Martocci, president and CEO of Newtown Savings Bank, was the recipient of the Peter T. White Volunteer Service Award. This award is presented to a community volunteer who best epitomizes the spirit of volunteerism.

Jim Gareau, vice president of commercial lending for First County Bank was the recipient of the Forrest C. Palmer Community Service Award. This award, which was founded in 1990 to recognize the many contributions of former News-Times publisher Forrest C. Palmer, is bestowed upon an individual who works selflessly on behalf of the community.

 Both Mr Martocci, of Newtown, and Mr Gareau, of Ridgefield, were humbled by receiving their awards. “Through my involvement with United Way, I have received rewards too numerous to count,” said Mr Martocci.

A difficult economy created many obstacles during the campaign. “This is a remarkable community,” said Tony Pajk, president of Branson Ultrasonics and United Way’s Campaign chairman. “We live in cynical times and there is a lot to worry about, but during this campaign, cynicism was overcome with optimism.” Mr Pajk, also a Newtown resident, presented the corporate awards, including Newtown companies Taunton Press, Union Savings Bank, and Savings Bank of Danbury (both with branches in Newtown), winning the Chairman’s Award for being the largest United Way contributors. Connecticut Light & Power and Newtown Savings Bank were presented with the Employee Excellence Award for having the highest percentage of employees participate in the United Way campaign.

The war was never far from the minds of those in attendance, with Mr Martocci summing up the feelings of the crowd, “Stay involved and say a prayer for our soldiers that they come home safe and sound.”

“Finally, I think it is fitting and important to close by reflecting on our mission statement because it is simple, succinct and powerful: ‘To be a leader in bringing together the resources to build a better, stronger and more caring community.’ You have fulfilled this mission statement remarkably well,” Mr Pajk said.

A number of Newtown residents are members of United Way’s Campaign Cabinet. They include Mr Pajik, campaign chairman; Mr Martocci, major firms co-chair; Donna Ramey, executive vice president and chief lending officer for Savings Bank of Danbury, who is major firms co-chair and chairman of the United Way Board; Beth Ann Fetzer, business and community development officer/assistant vice president at Savings Bank of Danbury, the United Way business and industry co-chair; and Charlene Giacin, vice president, Global Risk Quality Leader for GE Commercial Finance, Commercial Equipment Financing, who is the United Way’s Day of Caring co-chair.

 The United Way of Northern Fairfield County is a local, nonprofit, community-based organization that covers the seven-town area of Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, Newtown, Redding, and Ridgefield. Through its Community Fund, it helps support 68 programs, run by 32 nonprofit agencies that address critical health and human service needs. Last year, UWNFC served more than 75,000 residents. For its current campaign, United Way of Northern Fairfield County exceeded its fund-raising goal of $3.5 million.