United Way of Greater Waterbury Honors Volunteers

WATERBURY, CT – United Way of Greater Waterbury took a radical break from tradition after almost four decades. Recipients during the annual celebration and awards weren’t called to a podium to offer an acceptance speech but instead sat down on a couch with Constantine Pappas, host of an inaugural United Way Live.

Using the format of a talk-show, Mr. Pappas and the team at United Way were able to bring almost 400 people closer to the real-life experiences of those honored at the awards celebration on Wednesday, April 23, at Aria Banquet Hall, 45 Murphy Rd., Prospect.

Sydney Molina, office manager for the chief academic officer in Waterbury Public Schools, received the United Way Organized Labor Community Service Award in recognition of both her accomplishments on behalf of others in the community and the inspirational attitude that underpins her efforts.

As Mr. Pappas asked her to share her story, she described her role in building a Philanthropy Team to improve fundraising activities and the positive impact that Waterbury schools can have on the community.

The host also welcomed Joseph Ochieng, who established God Provides Ministries in 2017, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those who are starting a new home after experiencing homelessness, whether the individuals or families are coming back from an event such as a house fire or regaining their independence after significant financial blows.

Mr. Ochieng received a standing ovation after accepting the Community Volunteer of the Year Award and engaging Mr. Pappas in the story of how his organization faced challenges and met people who have become instrumental in helping thousands of people.

In between interviews, Mr. Pappas took the time to throw to commercials that were, in fact, representative of the corporate sponsors that ensure the donations received by United Way go to the community rather than administrative or event costs.

Mr. Pappas presented the Frederic and Lucy Kellogg Award to Selim G. Noujaim, in recognition of how he has exemplified the couple’s sense of community responsibility and social awareness and embodies United Way’s vision of a caring community.

Mr. Noujaim spoke not of himself but thanked those who had supported him on his life journey, particularly pointing out how he came to appreciate the importance of serving his community in multiple roles, including that of co-chair of the United Way’s 2001-2002 annual campaign and state representative as well as many volunteer positions and a leader in our business community.

This year, the United Way presented a new and special honor to WORX, the branding, digital and marketing agency located in Prospect. WORX has been responsible for the theming and creative assets associated with the annual campaigns, helping to inspire more than $55 million dollars in donations in that time, and receiving several national design awards in the process.

Mr. Pappas welcomed Cheryl Lindstrom and Todd Burton from Thomaston Savings Bank to talk about how the bank’s “Can Do Crew” contributed more than 50 volunteers to the Mobile Food Pantry, serving over a thousand individuals, fulfilled 20 wish lists during United Way of Greater Waterbury’s 2024 Adopt-A-Family, and collected 2,573 pounds of food for Stock the Pantry 2024.

The bank received the James C. Smith Spirit of Excellence Award to Thomaston Savings Bank, recognizing a well-organized, effective United Way campaign that yielded a positive, enduring legacy for years to come, with an 87.1% participation rate during the annual campaign, raising $41,705.42 for the total bank footprint; $33,350.00 will stay local with the United Way of Greater Waterbury.

Mr. Pappas had a surprise for one person: honoring Kristen Jacoby, president and CPO of United Way of Greater Waterbury, for 25 years of service.

Jim Smith, CEO of JCSmith Advisors, and Adrienne Parkmond, board chair, thanked Ms. Jacoby for leading the organization through historically significant periods such as 9/11 and the pandemic, but also for making a difference in the lives of so many people by bringing together businesses, volunteers, United Way staff, partner agencies, and others to maximize the resources available to those in need.

Mr. Smith acknowledged that Ms. Jacoby would have refused the idea of recognition and would have insisted that any success came from the hard work of others. He asked her to realize what her efforts have meant to people whose lives are better today for the work she has done for a quarter century.

David Ferraro, president of Carpin Manufacturing and the 2024-2025 campaign chair, took his turn on the couch to express his appreciation for what he’s learned in the past year as chair. “This has been a fantastic and extremely rewarding experience. Yes, it has been a lot of work at times, and for me it has been going on for almost a year and a half. But I’ve been inspired by so many companies who year after year make it a top priority to run great workplace campaigns. Those companies truly know their place in the community and how much what they do matters to people here.”

He continued, “Of course the numbers are not final, and gifts are still being counted and coming in. The Grand Street Prix Trike Race taking place on May 17 in Library Park, Waterbury, looks like it is going to be very successful. But it looks like we are going to end up raising $3.5 million. I am really pleased with that.”

The United Way’s annual campaign will run through June 30, when Mr. Ferraro will hand over the reins to 2025-2026 Campaign Chair Jason Gagnon of Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey.