Pratt & Whitney workers making big impact on community

For over decade, company has given more than $3 million to campaign

MIDDLETOWN » Middlesex United Way strives to create a tangible and lasting improvement to our community and does so with the help of many other local nonprofits. We support community programs and initiatives that help those in need, as well as serve to prevent problems from originating in the first place. However, these efforts would simply not be possible without workplace campaigns held by over 130 companies and businesses throughout Middlesex County.

At each workplace campaign, a key person or group of individuals, known as campaign coordinators, plan and carry out employee giving campaigns. Most campaigns hold a kickoff event or meeting to introduce the campaign and inform employees about the ways they can make an impact with a pledge to Middlesex United Way.

Here at the United Way, we are honored to shine a spotlight on local companies and their employees for outstanding community spirit and support of Middlesex United Way. One such company is Pratt & Whitney.

Pratt & Whitney, founded in Hartford in 1925 by Frederick Rentschler, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, industrial gas turbines and space propulsion systems. The company has locations across the globe, including one right here in Middletown. Some of Pratt & Whitney’s core values include accountability, excellence, integrity and innovation, many of the same values that the Middlesex United Way holds.

It’s no wonder the company has been such a strong, lasting partner with the Middlesex United Way.

For over a decade, Pratt & Whitney in Middletown has contributed over $3 million to the Middlesex United Way campaign. The company’s employee campaign is outstanding and expertly run, from the coordinators and committee members to the many generous donors who support the community. Some examples of past special events include Pratt’s annual golf tournaments and gourmet hot dog day. For its upcoming campaign, the company will host a few “Lunch with the Boss” and “Dinner with the Boss” events, where the topic at the table will be the United Way.

Pratt & Whitney Middletown has remained a top campaign for the local United Way and has also continued to support the loaned executive program, which allows us to employ an individual to assist with the annual campaign to help keep our overhead costs low. Not only has Pratt & Whitney continued its support of the Middlesex United Way throughout the years, but it has also remained committed to Connecticut and its residents. The company is even looking ahead to an expansion that is expected to include creating 8,000 jobs during the next decade. Pratt & Whitney’s community support also extends to other local groups, including Habitat for Humanity, Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater and Big Brothers-Big Sisters.

Pratt’s employee participation levels consistently impress us and we are very thankful for their continued generosity. Their contributions are strengthening lives, assisting individuals in need, and helping us achieve our overall mission of achieving measurable, positive impact on education, income, health and housing. Our work simply wouldn’t be possible with their partnership. Kevin Wilhelm is CEO and president of the Middlesex United Way in Middletown.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Pratt & Whitney employees took part in the Middlesex United Way’s 2017 campaign award breakfast recently.