Re: Press Release
Date: December 3, 2007
Contact: David R. Kennedy, President and CEO, 203-847-4576

LOCAL UNITED WAY CHAIR PROVIDES MID-CAMPAIGN REPORT
BUSINESS LEADERS CONVENE IN NORWALK

Tom Quindlen, chair of the 2007-08 United Way of Norwalk & Wilton Caring Community campaign reports that this year’s campaign has raised $607,750 as of November 21, 2007.

Mr. Quindlen, who is President & CEO of Corporate Lending for GE Commercial Finance said, “We’ve set a stretch goal of $1,275,500. This goal exceeds our originally stated goal of $1,215,500 for this year’s Caring Community Campaign. I’ve called on our “Target Division” to step up and help us reach this lofty goal. This sub-team has accepted my challenge of raising $100,000 during this year’s campaign.”

In an effort to further boost interest and activity around the campaign, Mike Neal, GE Vice Chairman and CEO of GE Commercial Finance, recently hosted a “Business Leaders Networking Breakfast.” Executives from various major organizations around the Norwalk area convened at GE Commercial Finance’s headquarters in Norwalk to discuss Corporate Citizenship; a responsibility they all share.

Commenting on the meeting, David R. Kennedy, President and CEO of United Way of Norwalk & Wilton said, “This event exceeded all expectations. It really exemplified the generous spirit and forward thinking that many of our local business leaders embody. Mr. Quindlen added, “It allowed for a great exchange of information and ideas for boosting this year’s Caring Community campaign. I was thrilled at the turnout and the energy in the room.”

According to, Mr. Kennedy, the local Caring Community campaign provides funds for United Way to help improve people’s lives and the community as it partners with over 85 local organizations including non-profits, government, business, and faith groups as well as with the involvement of numerous local residents. The current focus of United Way’s work is in the areas of helping children and youth succeed, fostering self-sufficiency, building strong neighborhoods, encouraging health and wellness, caring for seniors as well as for people with disabilities, and providing a safety net of basic human services.

This year’s campaign, which commenced in September, and runs through January 2008 is the 49th one for the local United Way. Contributors traditionally include residents, professionals, and small businesses through a community wide mailing in September as well as local corporations and their employees many of whom contribute through workplace campaigns. In addition, many municipal, public school, and non-profit employees contribute to the campaign at their work place. Mr. Kennedy added, “As we look forward to a vital future for our United Way and its work in the community, we want to thank our donors for their continued financial support, our volunteers for their time and dedication, our partners for their innovative community programs, and our staff for its professionalism. Together, we are most certainly doing what matters.”

For more information on United Way’s 2007-08 Campaign, contact Mr. Kennedy at United Way offices at 847-4576.