United Way of Central Mass to Hold Annual Celebration

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

United Way of Central Massachusetts will host their Annual Business Meeting and Celebration on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at Mechanics Hall. At this annual event, individuals, businesses, and corporate teams will be recognized and celebrated for their extraordinary work to assist United Way in carrying out its mission.

The evening will begin with the Annual Business Meeting and election of new board members. The Celebration program will start at 4:30 p.m. with entertainment by the award-winning In Da Zone Dance Team from the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester.

The Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services, John Polanowicz, will be the keynote speaker. Tim Garvin, President and CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts, and Dr. Eric Dickson, President & CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care, will also be making remarks.

"We hope that all individuals, partners, and businesses that contribute to the success of United Way of Central Massachusetts will join us for this evening of festivities. We also hope that those who want to learn about the great work we do will know they are welcome to the festivities," says the United Way of Central Massachusetts.

The Theme of the Night

The focus of this year’s celebration and of Tim Garvin's remarks is on the importance of the Community Safety Net, and United Way invites all guests to bring nonperishable food items (cans, no glass) that will be donated through the Letter Carrier’s Food Drive on May 11. Immediately following the program there will be a cocktail reception in Washburn Hall

"United Way’s Annual Celebration is not a fundraiser; it is instead an opportunity to gather and celebrate the great work this community does when we pool our resources and time and LIVE UNITED," says the United Way.

"With the event focusing on Community Safety Net this year, United Way would like every attendee to walk away with a greater understanding of the importance of a community safety net."

The Honorees

Honorees include: Margaret Hanson of North Brookfield, who will be awarded for outstanding volunteer service; Norman LaFlash of the US Postal Service, who will receive the Labor Services Award for his outstanding personal commitment and involvement in the community; Benedict Ticho, who will receive a Distinguished Recognition Award for the difference he has made in the lives of children in Central Mass over the past 40 years; Charles Brown of Reliant Medical Group and a campaign team of the Hanover Insurance Group, who will be recognized for running exemplary campaigns during 2012; the City of Worcester and Worcester Public Schools, who will be honored for their commitment to United Way and the community; Marcy Reed, President of National Grid Massachusetts, who will receive the Orville Harrold Community Leadership Award for her extraordinary leadership characteristics; and J. Christopher Collins, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Unum Group, who will receive the Aubrey Reid Award for his senior leadership in the company that played a major role in the success of the United Way campaign.

In addition, UniBank will be presented with the Stoddard Award, the highest honor bestowed on an organization. The last award of the night, the Alexis de Tocqueville Award, will be presented to Maureen and Ted Coghlin for their years of outstanding leadership in our community, volunteer spirit, inspiration to others, and philanthropic values.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information please click here.