$1.65M goal set for annual community campaign

MIDDLETOWN — We at Middlesex United Way are very excited to announce that we officially launched our 2018 annual campaign Thursday with the help from the grown restaurant at the new Wesleyan R.J. Julia Bookstore. Over 100 individuals had the chance to enjoy breakfast and coffee as they explored the bookstore, and were able to meet with fellow like-minded community members.

The morning was an opportunity to bring together some of our most passionate and committed partners and volunteers and gave us the opportunity to explain how we plan on accomplishing a successful campaign with their help. An incredible number of volunteers, including campaign chairs and site and event captains, have embraced Middlesex United Way and are eager to get started on their part.

The event was filled with positivity and optimism. In times of hardship and tragedy, it is easy to give up hope, but our contributors turn that into motivation to do even more. As we start this year's campaign, we hope more will join the team.

At the event, 2017 Campaign Chair and Retired Assistant Superintendent of East Hampton School System Kevin Reich announced a $1.65 million goal for this year’s community fundraising campaign with 130 workplace campaigns and $100,000 in sponsorships. Kevin announced his campaign cabinet, consisting of a team of seven passionate leaders from various sectors who have all agreed to set aside time from their busy lives to carry through on the success of the United Way and their community.

Middlesex United Way also announced a goal of $2 million for the 2020 campaign year. Although our campaign has just officially launched, this summer has already been filled with tremendous success through the generous support of individuals and companies. To help us continue to shine a light on the ALICE population, Shore Publishing has committed to a new silver sponsorship.

With the help from an incredible team at Pratt and Whitney, Pratt hosted its annual golf tournament to benefit United Way and raised a new record high of $41,933. We would also like to thank the East Hampton School system for already surpassing its fundraising goal and amount from last year’s campaign. And to Wesleyan University, Middlesex Hospital and Liberty Bank goes a big thank you for leading by example and rallying their employees to stand behind Middlesex United Way.

There are many ways to support our campaign — big or small and anyone can do it. If your company currently runs a United Way campaign, help make it bigger and better.

Any company can hold a Middlesex United Way campaign. And all the dollars raised stay local here in Middlesex County — unless otherwise specified by the donor — to advance education, income, health and housing. Contact Justin Wilkie at 860-346-8695 or Justin.wikie@middlesexunitedway.org.

The Middlesex County United Way kicked off its annual campaign this week at grown restaurant in Middletown.