The Work Of The United Way

To the Editor:

On September 10, 800 volunteers from 38 local companies spread out into the local communities and completed 40 projects for local nonprofit organizations as part of the United Way of Northern Fairfield County’s 9th Annual Day of Caring. We wish to thank all the volunteers and businesses that supported this event which connects our donors with the agencies and clients that receive funds from the United Way.

The Day of Caring also kicked off the United Way’s 63rd Annual Campaign. This past year, your donations supported 72 programs run by 32 local agencies in the seven-town area of Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, Newtown, Redding, and Ridgefield. Last year approximately 75,000 people were served by these programs. Every year our recipient agencies undergo a full financial review to ensure that donations are spent in the most efficient, effective, and responsible way possible. The American Institute of Philanthropy states that any nonprofit organization in which at least 75 percent of every dollar goes directly to programs is fiscally responsible. At the United Way of Northern Fairfield County, we are proud that 90 percent of each dollar raised goes directly to the programs we support.

This past year the United Way pulled together several agencies, individuals. and businesses to coordinate community efforts to come up with tangible, workable solutions to the problems of affordable housing and school readiness. The results of their work will begin to take place later this year.

The United Way of Northern Fairfield County is in the business of creating meaningful and tangible impact in our community. What matters is the bottom line results, the lives we change, and the communities we affect.

Thank you in advance for supporting the United Way campaign.

Sincerely,

June Renzulli, President

United Way of Northern Fairfield County

85 West Street, Danbury                                     September 29, 2003