Print

United Way Effort Sets Record

$27.7 Million Pledged In Hartford Region Fundraising

By Magdalene Perez, Courant Staff Writer

November 15, 2007

The Greater Hartford United Way raised $27.7 million in a record-setting fundraising campaign, the nonprofit announced Wednesday.

The funds, raised through a workplace campaign organized by volunteers, will help provide assistance to children and families of all economic backgrounds in the Hartford region, according to Susan Dunn, president and CEO of United Way of the Capital Area. The total surpassed the United Way's fundraising goal by nearly $500,000.

"This is a record-breaking amount in our 83-year history," Dunn said. "It's really something to be proud about."

The United Way Community Campaign is the largest annual health and human service fundraising effort in Connecticut and the second-largest in New England. More than 200,000 employees in nearly 900 organizations in central Connecitcut were asked to participate. Ten major companies together raised more than $12 million: Aetna, Bank of America, CIGNA, The Hartford, Hartford Steam Boiler, ING & ING Investment Management, Mass Mutual, Northeast Utlilities, The Phoenix Companies and Travelers.

"We are truly appreciative of the generous supprt these companies, and their employees, collectively provide in so many ways to our community," said Chuck Shivery, president and CEO of Northeast Utilities, the chairman of the 2007 United Way Community Campaign.

Aetna employees contributed $1.6 million, matched by a corporate gift for a total of $3.2 million. The Hartford Financial Services Group raised nearly $2 million.

"We had some very committed volunteers in the workplace who were very passionate about raising dollars," Dunn said. "This is just a very generous community."

The United Way distributes the money through nonprofits that offer nursing services, mental health counseling and programs to help people build work skills, among other charity efforts, Dunn said. The funds also help shelters and educational initiatives.