The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Leadership Circle members recognized for contributions
MIDDLETOWN >> With the campaign continuing to wind down, I want to take a moment to celebrate the members of the Middlesex United Way Leadership Circle, who recognize those who contribute $1,000 or more annually to Middlesex United Way.
These generous philanthropists set an example for others and enjoy a range of exclusive benefits while advancing education, income, health and housing in Middlesex County.
Leadership Circle members are those who inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow in Middlesex County. They are recognized at the following levels: Tocqueville Society, Platinum Circle, Gold Circle, Silver Circle and the Bronze Circle. Our highest level, The Tocqueville Society, is made up of donors who give $10,000 or more to United Way. Currently, United Way Tocqueville Societies collectively raise over $556 million dollars from nearly 27,000 individuals worldwide.
The generosity of our leadership givers has a critical impact on our community’s lives. When you give at the Leadership Circle Level, you are providing literacy tutoring for two students for an entire year at Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore; a year of programming, including a week of summer camp for five Cub Scouts, 30 nights of emergency shelter and 30 days of supportive services at The Connection’s Eddy Shelter, dinner for a family of four for five months or payment of a large bill, such as a medical bill, to keep a family at risk of homelessness from losing their housing.
“When I contribute to Middlesex United Way, I know I am in some small way contributing to the betterment of the community which has given so much to me and I can trust Middlesex United Way and all of its dedicated volunteers to know where the need is greatest and to deploy my dollars in the most efficient and effective manner. That gives me a lot of comfort and peace of mind,” says Jean D’Aquila, who has been a United Way Leadership Circle member for nearly 10 years.
This past campaign welcomed 270 leadership donors, growing rapidly from the 23 leadership members we had 30 years ago in 1987. As our communities needs continue to grow, it is comforting to know we continually have more and more generous donors willing to give at the highest level.
It is important to remember that every donation counts. In fact, the average gift to Middlesex United Way is about $70, and it makes a difference. If you are a donor of any amount to Middlesex United Way, you are providing the building blocks for a good quality of life for people in Middlesex County: education, income, health and housing.
Besides making a difference in our community members’ lives, being a leadership donor has many benefits. Some include individual recognition, the ability to combine your gift with your spouse or partner in order to qualify for membership, networking opportunities with other philanthropic leaders, and invitations to Middlesex United Way signature events throughout the year.
Another benefit is the opportunity to be recognized at Middlesex United Way’s Annual Leadership Roast. Each year, a member of our leadership circle is “chosen” to serve as the subject of a good oldfashion roast. The event is a way for us to show how much we care about our leadership donor’s contributions to our community. This year we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to roast Middletown Public School Superintendent, Dr. Patricia Charles.
This year’s unique roast will not only honor Dr. Charles for her commitment to United Way, but will also pay homage to her career as superintendent, as she announced her retirement this past month. Dr. Charles has been a longtime friend and supporter of Middlesex United Way and it is our pleasure to honor her work as a Middletown educator as well as a donor, advocate and volunteer of United Way.
The roast of Dr. Patricia Charles will take place Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres and dinner in addition to many laughs, fun stories from our roasters, and a bittersweet farewell to Dr. Charles as the Middletown Public Schools superintendent. Kevin Wilhelm is president and CEO of the Middlesex United Way.