April 12, 2006
mwade@uwgnh.org
Funds to Benefit the Greater New Haven Community
Over 25 NFL players helped raise more than $100,000 while building the community at the 13th annual NFL Players Weekend hosted by the United Way of Greater New Haven.
United Way partnered with J.L. Sports to organize the most successful weekend in event history on March 10 and 11. Money raised will benefit United Way of Greater New Haven and its work improving lives in the area. Together, with partners like Joe Linta at J.L. Sports, United Way continues to support the shaping and strengthening of the community.
Players from 15 NFL teams participated in a weekend of community service activities including a youth health and fitness clinic, visits to the Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven, and a lunch honoring the New Haven Police and Fire Departments. Players also took part in fund-raising at a Celebrity Bartending event and an NFL Celebrity Auction.
“The weekend was a great experience,” said volunteer Robert Gagliardi, a SCSU student. “The kids really enjoyed it and loved the interaction with the players.”
Among the NFL players in attendance was former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi who was honored as United Way’s Player of the Year. Other players included Chukky Okobi and Russell Stuvaints from this year’s Super Bowl Champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots’ Brandon Gorin, Dan Koppen and Russ Hochstein.
NFL Players Weekend facilitated fund-raising while giving players an opportunity to impact the community.
“Events like this help United Way to achieve its ultimate goal of improving the lives of those in the community.” said UWGNH CEO-elect Jack Healy.
About United Way:
United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community to create measurable, sustainable change and to improve lives. To do this we: help identify our region's greatest needs and best opportunities for change; raise dollars and invest those dollars for results; connect people to their caring through volunteer opportunities.
For more information about United Way of Greater New Haven’s community leadership and how you can help please visit www.uwgnh.org.
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