United Way of Greater New Haven Names New COO and Vice President for Community Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

Heather Calabrese, Senior Vice President of United Way of Greater New Haven, will become Chief Operating Officer on July 1. In addition, Jennifer McGrady Heath has joined the organization as Vice President for Community Leadership. The changes are part of United Way’s ongoing effort to improve lives in our community and to focus on successful children and youth, economically vibrant communities and community wellness.

Calabrese joined United Way of Greater New Haven in September 2000 as Director of Marketing and Communications. Prior to joining United Way she served as Director of Corporate Development for the International Festival of Arts and Ideas and Vice President of Community Affairs at the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. Calabrese is active in the local community. Her volunteer activity includes work for Read to Grow, with School Volunteers for New Haven, the New Haven Free Public Library, St. Rita School and Habitat for Humanity.

As COO, Calabrese will be responsible for the daily operations of United Way including the areas of finance, marketing and communications, community leadership and investment and resource development. She is a graduate of Wheelock College and lives in Hamden with her husband, Victor, and her son, Andrew.

Jennifer McGrady Heath joins United Way after four years as a Senior Associate at Holt, Wexler and Farnam, LLP, a planning and management consulting firm in New Haven where her clients included United Way, the William Casper Graustein Memorial Fund, the City of New Haven and the City of Hartford. Heath has also worked as a consultant to United Way’s Success by 6® initiative to improve school readiness and Community Compass which identifies the assets and needs of the region and opportunities for action.

As Vice President for Community Leadership, Heath is responsible for United Way community investments, nonprofit relations, civic engagement and public policy leadership. This new position will enable the United Way to create positive change in three priority areas: Successful Children and Youth; Economically Vibrant Communities; and Community Wellness.
Heath graduated from Davidson College and has a Master in Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. She and her husband, Ken, live in Hamden where she serves as an elected member of the Board of Education.

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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YOUTH PHILANTHROPY PROGRAM TO AWARD GRANTS TO LOCAL YOUTH PROGRAMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
Cell – 860.834.0128
mwade@uwgnh.org

MTV/ UNITED WAY OF AMERICA STORM CORPS MEMBER, ELIZABETH WHITE,
TO SPEAK AT EVENT

United Way of Greater New Haven’s Youth Philanthropy Project (YPP) will announce and celebrate three grant recipients at its second annual award ceremony on Thursday, May 25, 2006. A total of $11,000 will be awarded to AIDS Project New Haven, The New Haven Ecology Project, Inc. and West Haven Community House Association.

The Youth Philanthropy Project (YPP) is an innovative, youth grant-making and leadership development program for high school students in the Greater New Haven area. This group is made up of fifteen local youth, ages 13-18, from ten different high schools, who dedicate their time, talent, and treasure to develop civic and social awareness in their regional community through leadership and academics. Through YPP organized events, the group raises money, which is then matched by local community organizations, to be awarded to local youth programs. This youth serving youth format is a key ingredient in the program’s success.

This will be the group’s second year of fundraising and grant making. After a second successful NFL Players Youth Clinic in March, the group sent out a request for proposals to area non-profits who provide youth related services. The group of fifteen YPP youth then reviewed each grant application and decided which programs they would fund and how much each would receive.

Additionally, a “Service before Self” award will be presented to Elizabeth White, a New Haven resident and Fordham University student, who spent her spring break as a Storm Corp volunteer in Biloxi, Mississippi helping hurricane Katrina cleanup efforts. Storm Corps is a joint venture between United Way of America and MTV to provide college students the opportunity to become involved in rebuilding the Gulf Coast.

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.

More information about United Way’s Youth Philanthropy Project (YPP) can be found at www.uwgnh.org.

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United Way Raises Over $100,000 at NFL Players Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
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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Keith Kountz, News Channel 8 Anchor, Named Honorary Event Chair of United Way NFL Players Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2008

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

March 10-11, 2006 - New Haven

Keith Kountz, well known news anchor on News Channel 8 and UPN 9, has been named honorary event Chair of the 13th annual United Way NFL Players Weekend to take place March 10th – 11th in New Haven.

NFL players from 15 teams will arrive in New Haven on March 10th for a weekend of events and community service projects. United Way of Greater New Haven, in conjunction with J.L. Sports, will host the 13th Annual NFL Players Weekend, where 25 NFL Players from 15 teams are expected to attend.

Players will participate in weekend long community service activities including honoring the New Haven Police and Fire Departments, visits to Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of New Haven as well as facilitating a youth health and fitness clinic at Yale.

There will also be some events that are available to the public including a Celebrity Bartending Happy Hour Friday evening from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., at Hula Hank’s Island Bar at 216 Crown Street in New Haven. Or join the players later that evening for dinner, dancing and bidding at the annual Celebrity Auction to be held in the Omni New Haven Hotel ballroom. Items such as signed sports memorabilia, an African Safari Vacation package, Romantic getaways, Gourmet packages and more will be available for bidding at this gala event. Tickets for the NFL Celebrity Auction are still available and can be purchased for $50 in advance and at the door. Please call Kathleen Norwood at United Way of Greater New Haven at 772-2010 ext. 213, or log onto http://www.uwgnh.org/.

Finally, on Saturday night you and three friends can “Bowl with the Pros” at AMF Lanes in Hamden, where NFL players will be available to autograph their photos from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. and then bowling until 10 p.m. Companies or group can “bowl with a pro” by sponsoring a lane. For more information please call Kathleen Norwood at United Way of Greater New Haven at 772-2010 ext. 213, or log onto http://www.uwgnh.org/.

All proceeds from the weekend benefit United Way of Greater New Haven and the work they do in Greater New Haven.

Among NFL Players expected to attend are former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi, who now plays for the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots’ Brandon Gorin, Dan Koppen and Russ Hochstein as well as Chukky Okobi and Russell Stuvaints from this year’s Super Bowl Champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Visit www.uwgnh.org/nfl.cfm for a full weekend schedule and up to the minute player and auction news.

Event sponsors include The New Haven Register, Clear Channel, News Channel 8 and UPN 9, Stop and Shop and UHY.

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JOE ANDRUZZI OF THE CLEVELAND BROWNS NAMED UNITED WAYPLAYER OF THE YEAR AT NFL PLAYERS WEEKEND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

13TH Annual United Way NFL Players Weekend Draws over 25 Pro Celebrities

United Way of Greater New Haven will honor former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi as Player of the Year at this weekend’s Celebrity Auction, sponsored by Stop & Shop. Andruzzi, a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University and member of three New England Patriots Super Bowl Championship teams (2001, 2003, 2004), has participated in almost every Players Weekend and has helped draw other NFL players to the event. As a thank you for his dedication both on and off the field, United Way will recognize him during the auction taking place on Friday, March 10th from 6:00pm – 10:00pm at the Omni Hotel at 155 Temple Street in New Haven. Tickets are available at the door for $50. This includes registration for live and silent auction, buffet, dancing and open bar.

With just days to go before one of the Northeast’s largest NFL player supported weekend kicks off, more than 25 players from teams across the country have confirmed their participation. Players with local ties, in addition to Joe Andruzzi, include Jacques Cesaire, former Southern Connecticut All American and current San Diego Charger as well as Hamden’s Chukky Okobi of the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Also participating this weekend will be Patriots’ Russ Hochstein, New York Jets’ Cory Lamkin and Jim Miller, Quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings.

The players will spend the weekend in the area to raise funds and build community with United Way of Greater New Haven. During the weekend players will visit Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven, conduct a Celebrity Bartending fundraiser at New Haven’s Hula Hanks, host and attend the NFL Celebrity Auction at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale, wait tables for area police and firefighters at the Fireside Restaurant in New Haven, and participate in a Bowl with the Pros bowling tournament at AMF Lanes in Hamden and host the 2nd annual United Way/NFL Players Youth Clinic at Yale.

Tickets for The NFL Celebrity Auction on Friday, March 10th are still available. The auction is presented by Stop & Shop and will feature a silent and live auction, light buffet and cash bar. Tickets for the event are $50 in advance or at the door. Please call United Way of Greater New Haven for more information at (2030 772-2010 or log on to www.uwgnh.org.
Cont.
Visit www.uwghn.org/nfl.cfm for a full weekend schedule and up to the minute player and auction news.

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.

More information about United Way of Greater New Haven's community leadership and how you can help can be found at www.uwgnh.org.

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United Way of Greater New Haven Recognizes Local Organizations and Volunteers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

NEW HAVEN, Conn., February 14, 2006 – United Way of Greater New Haven honored local organizations and volunteers at their annual Community Spirit and Volunteer Recognition Awards luncheon at 500 Blake Street.

An enthusiastic crowd of over 350 attended the event which was emceed by Veronica Douglas of News Channel 8 and UPN 9.

The event recognizes local organizations and volunteers who exhibit their support throughout the year to further the goals of United Way of Greater New Haven. The awardees demonstrated their support in various and equally important ways. From partnering with United Way around specific issues such as early childhood education, to running highly successful workplace fundraising campaigns, to encouraging volunteerism among employees, United Way rang the bell for companies and individuals who work to make a difference in this community.

Community Champions: Those local organizations that recognize, support and fight for the health and well-being of our community. They encourage a sense of ownership around our most critical issues and they believe they can make a difference.

AT&T Proliance
The Bilco Company Quinnipiac University
Citizens Bank South Central CT Regional Water Authority
Hubbel Sargent Manufacturing
Knights of Columbus The United Illuminating Company
New Haven Fire Department West Haven Community House
New Haven Register Yale College Council
New Alliance Bank

Youth Leadership Award: Awarded to local organizations or individuals which believe in the potential of our young future leaders and the importance philanthropy holds as a value of successful leadership.

The Community Foundation For Greater New Haven Town Fair Tire

Bill Graustein Youth Philanthropy Project

Rick Mayer of the JFM Foundation
United Way Recognizes Local …page 2

Campaign Coordinator of the Year: This person exemplifies leadership skills and strong commitment to improving lives through the successful management of their annual workplace campaign.

Carol Blake – Hubbell

Community Impact Award: Recognizes local organizations that demonstrate a desire to create lasting change in people’s lives and in the community.

Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Leadership Center

Town of Orange Community Services Department

Youth of the Year Award: Recognizes young citizens, 18 years or younger, who have demonstrated a strong sense of community responsibility through activities and/or projects that contribute positively to the community.

Mike Yegarian of Wallingford

Community Partner Award: Community Partners understand that by working together we are stronger and more powerful than standing alone. They embrace their roles in community change, sometimes as leaders, sometimes as supporters.

The Community Foundation For Greater New Haven New Haven School Readiness Council

News Channel 8 and UPN 9 U.S. Surgical

Spirit of Caring Award: Recognizes an organization where core values and every day actions inside and outside the workplace exemplify a sense of responsibility and concern for others.

Yale-New Haven Hospital

Building a Legacy Award: Recognizes an organization or individual who looks to the future and works to brighten that future by the actions and measures they take today.

Yale University

Chairman’s Award: Acknowledges a company that consistently exhibits and encourages excellence in community responsibility and promotes a culture of volunteerism among employees.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Volunteer of the Year: This individual embodies the spirit of civic engagement through their dedication of time and talent to the highest goal of improving lives and building a stronger community.

Judith Dozier-Hackman – Associate Dean, Yale College

United Way Recognizes Local …page 3

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.

More information about United Way of Greater New Haven's community leadership and how you can help can be found at http://www.uwgnh.org/.

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United Way and NFL Players Team up for Annual Fundraising and Community Service Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

Over 30 NFL Players, Including Former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi, Expected to Attend

25 NFL players from 15 teams will arrive in New Haven on March 10th for a weekend of events and community service projects. United Way of Greater New Haven, in conjunction with J.L. Sports, will host the 13th Annual NFL Players Weekend.

The weekend will kick off on Friday, March 10th, with a lunch honoring the New Haven Police and Fire Departments hosted by Fireside Restaurant, as well as player visits to Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of New Haven.

Friday evening will feature an “open to the public” Celebrity Bartending Happy Hour, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., at Hula Hank’s Island Bar at 216 Crown Street in New Haven, followed by a reception where you can join the players for dinner, dancing and bidding at the annual Celebrity Auction to be held in the Omni New Haven Hotel ballroom from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Items such as signed sports memorabilia, an African Safari Vacation package, Romantic getaways, Gourmet packages and more will be available for bidding at this gala event. Tickets for the NFL Celebrity Auction are still available and can be purchased for $50 in advance or at the door. Please call Kathleen Norwood at United Way of Greater New Haven at 772-2010 ext. 213, or log onto www.uwgnh.org.

On Saturday, March 11th, Town Fair Tire, Comcast and Yale University will sponsor the United Way NFL Players Youth Clinic and later that evening the “Bowl with the Pros” event will take place at AMF Lanes in Hamden, CT, where NFL players will be available to autograph their photos from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Companies or individuals can “bowl with a pro” by purchasing a lane for four guests and one NFL player from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

All proceeds from the weekend benefit United Way of Greater New Haven and the work they do in Greater New Haven.

"This event has become one of the biggest sports charity events in New England", said Joe Linta, President of New Haven-based JL Sports, the agency which represents the visiting NFL players. "Our players look forward to coming to New Haven to support United Way and their efforts to improve lives in this community."

Among NFL Players expected to attend are former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi, who now plays for the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots’ Brandon Gorin, Dan Koppen and Russ Hochstein as well as Chukky Okobi and Russell Stuvaints from this year’s Super Bowl Champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Visit www.uwgnh.org/nfl.cfm for a full weekend schedule and up to the minute player and auction news.

Event sponsors include The New Haven Register, Clear Channel, News Channel 8 and UPN 9, Stop and Shop and UHY.

Confirmed Players (as of 2/8/06)
Baltimore Ravens: Robb Butler #45 (S)
Buffalo Bills: Brian Moorman #8 (P)
Liam Ezekiel #50 (LB)
California U of Penn: Antoine Bagwell #46 (RB)
Carolina Panthers: Casey Cramer #49 (FB)
Cincinnati Bengals: Brad St. Louis #48 (LS)
Scott Kooistra #75 (T)
Cleveland Browns: Dave Yovanovits #68 (T)
Joe Andruzzi #63 (G)
Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Golliday #45 (TE)
Kevin Sampson #79 (T)
Minnesota Vikings: Matt Birk #78 (C)
Mike Rosenthal #75 (T)
New England Pats: Brandon Gorin #76 (T)
Dan Koppen #67 (C)
Russ Hochstein #71 (G)
New York Giants: Jason Whittle #65 (G)
Philadelphia Eagles: Dominic Furio #75 (C)
Todd Herremans #79 (T)
Matt McCoy #51 (LB)
Hank Fraley #63 (C/G)
Pittsburgh Steelers: Chukky Okobi #56 (C)
Russell Stuvaints #33 (DB)
San Diego Chargers: Jacques Cesaire #74 (DE)
San Francisco 49ers: Renauld Williams #59 (LB)
Syracuse University: Quinn Ojinnaka #69 (OT)
U of Pittsburgh: Charles Spencer #56 (OL)
Villanova U: Darrell Adams #90 (DE)

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United Way of Greater New Haven Chooses Jack Healy as New CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

The Board of Directors of United Way of Greater New Haven has unanimously approved the recommendation of their search committee and appointed Jack Healy to succeed Hart D. Caparulo as President and Chief Executive Officer upon her retirement in June. Healy has served United Way since 1996 as Executive Vice President with responsibility for fundraising and marketing. “Jack brings over twenty years of human service experience to this position. For the last ten years, he has worked with Hart and the Board of Directors to raise over $50M and help thousands of people in our community”, said Tom Sansone, Managing Partner, Carmody & Torrance, chair of the search committee and incoming Board chair.

Healy expressed his intention to continue the focused approach United Way of Greater New Haven has implemented over the past several years. Heather Calabrese, Senior Vice President, will become Chief Operating Officer and Ms. Caparulo, will continue to work with United Way in a consulting capacity. “Jack understands the importance of United Way and its leadership role in addressing some of our most challenging community issues, said Caparulo “We have worked hand-in-hand for a decade to reshape United Way’s role and mission in our community. I couldn’t be happier with the Board’s choice.”

Barbara Pearce, current Board chair and President, H. Pearce Company Realtors, also expressed confidence in Mr. Healy’s leadership ability. “Jack has strong relationships in the business community that will serve United Way well as he moves into this new role. He’s worked effectively with many regional businesses to help them connect to this community through charitable giving and volunteerism.”

United Way has recently partnered with several other public and private organizations in an effort to improve school readiness through its Success By 6 initiative and is concerned with the growing problems associated with economic disparity. “I am honored the Board has chosen me to follow Hart as CEO. I have been fortunate to have worked with some wonderful people in Greater New Haven over the last decade. This is a community of caring people who express that caring generously with time, talent and giving. My intention is to keep United Way focused on what matters in this community and open to all who want to make a difference” said Healy.

Healy, who grew up in North Haven, has held a number of positions both within the United Way system and with other nonprofit organizations. He served as United Way Vice President in San Francisco and President in Everett, Washington
and as Executive Director of The Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers and Cambridge (MA) Community Services. He holds a MA in Communications from Fairfield University and BA from Ithaca College.

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.

More information about United Way of Greater New Haven's community leadership and how you can help can be found at www.uwgnh.org.

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