United Way surpasses fundraising goal

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From left, Mary Connolly of Naugatuck, Ron Pugliese, director of economic development of Waterbury, Mercelo Martins, president of the board, and Kevin DelGobbo, Mary Connolly Community Caring Award winner, talk during the United Way of Naugatuck and Beacon Fall’s annual meeting held at Leary´s Crystal Room in Naugatuck Thursday. –RA ARCHIVE

NAUGATUCK — The United Way of Naugatuck and Beacon Falls exceeded its fundraising goal by $5,000 during last year’s campaign, representatives announced during Thursday’s annual meeting.

“We are very proud that our community has stepped up, knowing the needs,” Marcelo Martins, president of the United Way Board of Directors, said. “To be able to raise more than our goal in these tough economic times, it’s a wonderful feeling.”

The organization raised $420,000, topping the $415,000 goal members set last fall. David  Rotatori was the campaign chairman.

The money will go to local service groups. The biggest allocations last year went to the Naugatuck YMCA, Wellpath Inc., Family Services of Greater Waterbury, the American Red Cross and the Morris Foundation.

Kevin DelGobbo, former state representative and current director of the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, was honored with the Mary Connolly Community Caring Award at the dinner, which was held at Leary’s Crystal Room.

Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan won the Silver Bowl Award for the largest increase in employee and corporate giving, as well as an increase in employee participation. The businesses and organizations that contributed the most, at the corporate or employee level, were ITW Powertrain Fastening, borough schools, Naugatuck Savings Bank and the Naugatuck YMCA.