Awards, Awards & More Awards!

Though people do not expect honors for the work that they do, it's always special when you are recognized for rising above ordinary performance to a level that others recognize as above and beyond the call of duty. And this week we received news that a Board member and a staff member at Valley United Way have been selected for special honors. And on top of that, last night I attended a dinner in Southbury where one of our best supporters also received special recognition.

I doubt that anyone will be surprised to see that Pat Tarasovic has been chosen as a "Woman Making a Difference in the Valley" by the The Valley Women's Health Initiative. Pat's work with the Volunteer Center, the Youth Leaership Program, the Corporate Volunteer Council and the High School Volunteer Council signifies her deep rooted passion for improving lives in the Valley, and the award couldn't be more fitting.

And just yesterday, we also received the great news that Board member Dave Grant has been chosen for not one, but two special awards. Dave will be receiving The Valley Philanthropy Council Distinguished Volunteer of the Year Award and The Association of Fundraising Professionals Award for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser. Dave chaired last year's Annual Community Campaign and is currently serving as President of the Derby/Shelton Rotary Club - He's the first to do that twice! Dave is going to have to find time on his busy schedule to accept the two awards; and if you know Dave, that will not be easy.

On top of that, last night I had the great pleasure to join many of my United Way colleagues from around the state at a reception in Southbury where St. Mary's Hospital presented Webster Bank with their Champions Award. It was quite an evening, and it's very obvious that "The Webster Way" is much more than a business slogan for the people who work at Webster Bank. They have a special commitment to the communities where they live and work to make them better places, and St. Mary's award was symbolic of the great respect that all of us have for Webster Bank's commitment to their communities. As always Jim Smith could not have been more gracious in accepting the award on behalf of all the Webster employees and the heritage that has been a hallmark of the bank since its inception in Waterbury during the Great Depression.

So this is a week to celebrate a dedicated staff member, a committed community volunteer and and a generous and caring corporate leader. We are all better