United Way Campaign Grows But Needs Year End Help

Nicki Brown, Chair of United Way of Norwalk & Wilton’s 2006 Caring Community Campaign, reported this week to United Way’s Board of Directors that the campaign is making substantial progress towards its $1.2 million goal. “From what we know to date and based on conversations with United Way’s prior supporters, it is possible that we will surpass last year’s number when we announce results at our campaign-end thank you event in late January,” said Ms. Brown. On January 30, 2006, United Way announced that it had raised $1,086,000. “To reach or surpass that number, though,” added Ms. Brown, “we are counting on past contributors to once more support us as they did last year, hopefully with a little extra.”

However, Ms. Brown, who is President of The Wilton Bank, was guarded in her report about the campaign’s ability to reach the full $1.2 million goal. “We need to raise that additional $114,000 but it’s a challenge. We have numerous requests out to businesses and individuals who have not supported us in the past and we are still hopeful that they will respond positively. Perhaps as part of the December holiday season, they will decide to support us with a year-end 2006 gift or early 2007 contribution that can be counted in this year’s campaign.”

Ms. Brown noted that the funds raised support a variety of local programs and initiatives and without the additional funds, funding levels may need to be decreased in 2007 and new initiatives might need to be cut back. “United Way provides funding for a safety net of local services provided by over 40 agencies, as well as supports initiatives affecting the health of young children in South Norwalk, the school readiness of Norwalk’s at risk children, the housing needs of older adults who need assistance in Wilton, and the healthy development of Wilton’s teens – to name just four focused areas. If we don’t hit the goal, we won’t be able to do the work that we know needs to be done in our community.”

Ms. Brown indicated that contributions (including pledges made now to be actually paid during 2007) could be sent to United Way, PO Box 906, Norwalk, CT 06852-096. A pledge form can be found on United Way’s website. More information is available from United Way’s President and CEO, David R. Kennedy, 847-4576 or from Ms. Brown, 762-2265.