NAUGATUCK — A year after raising $440,000 through its annual fundraising campaign, the United Way of Naugatuck and Beacon Falls is working to make sure history repeats itself.
More than 150 people joined the United Way for its 2014 Campaign Kickoff Sept. 25 at the Crystal Room.
“We’re here to kick off what we all know will be another successful campaign this year,” campaign Chairman Allan Monteiro said.
The United Way was successful in raising its goal of $440,000 in the 2013 campaign and $440,000 is once again the goal this year, Monteiro announced.
The campaign is off to a good start.
Monteiro said at the event that the United Way already raised 23 percent of the goal through its annual golf outing, miscellaneous pledges and fundraisers and pacesetter companies that have already conducted their campaigns.
“We are well on our way,” Monteiro said. “We ask all of you to keep the momentum going. We have a lot of work to do in the upcoming months. We believe in the citizens of Naugatuck and Beacon Falls and we are confident our goal will be reached — especially if we all Live United.”
The United Way helps funds 14 partner agencies and two youth athletic leagues, including the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Family Services of Greater Waterbury, Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center, 211 Infoline, Literacy Volunteers of Greater Waterbury, Naugatuck/Beacon Falls Campership, Naugatuck/Beacon Falls Scouting Fund, Naugatuck Police Explorers, Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, Waterbury ARC, Waterbury Youth Service Systems, Wellmore Inc., Naugatuck YMCA, Naugatuck Youth Soccer and Union City Little League.
A handful of those partner agencies were on hand for the campaign kickoff to put a face to the programs helped by the United Way.
United Way Executive Director Lisa Shappy said the number of people who are still in need, whether of counseling or basic need services, remains high. She said the United Way’s partner agencies have waiting lists for services. The fundraising is needed to meet those community needs, she said.
“If I can say anything to the community, it’d be to continue to support us, continue to support the agencies that provide services to Naugatuck and Beacon Falls,” Shappy said. “They’re doing good work and people need it. We always wish we could say there is no need, but there is.”
Monteiro, who has volunteered at the United Way for nine years and served on its board of directors the past three, said serving as campaign chairman is an honor.
“Being that the United Way is something I believe in, I figured what better opportunity to get involved,” he said. “This is one of the biggest honors you can have in terms of helping your local community.”
Monteiro admitted he was a little nervous when he was first asked to lead the campaign. However, he said, he has a solid campaign team behind him. He’s confident the campaign will meet its goal and set a higher pace for next year.
When ask what his message is to the community Monteiro replied, “Become involved with your community. Look for an opportunity to help. You’d be surprised as far as how many people are actually in need.”
For more information, visit www.unitedwaynaugatuck.org or call the United Way office at (203) 729-1564.
