4th Annual Hometown Heroes Benefit Dinner set for December 2, 2017
DANBURY, CT -- United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) is now accepting nominations to honor local individuals and at its 4th Annual Hometown Heroes Benefit Dinner on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury.
New this year are Emerging Hero Awards, which will be awarded to area high school-aged youth who demonstrate strong leadership in volunteerism and community service.
UWWC’s Hometown Hero awards celebrate the unsung heroes who live in our local communities and lead by example, giving back to others because it feels good to do so, and demonstrate a strong commitment to making an impact on the lives of others. A Hometown Hero is distinguished through their philanthropy and volunteerism. The new Emerging Hero Awards will celebrate the accomplishments of our community’s newest generation of volunteers and community leaders.
“We are thrilled to include a new category of award for youth volunteers who have made service to others a priority and distinguished themselves by making a positive impact in their community,” said Kim Morgan, CEO of UWWC. “We invite those in our communities to help us recognize the outstanding individuals and youth who devote themselves to helping those in need, locally.”
Nominations for both Hometown Hero and Emerging Hero Awards will be accepted for individuals and groups from the following towns: Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, Kent, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Sherman, Warren and Washington. Nomination forms are available at https://www.uwwesternct.org/hhnomination
The following criteria are taken into consideration in selecting an honoree:
- Achievement – the nominee’s actual accomplishment produced significant results
- Action – the involvement of the nominee is active and hands-on
- Caring – as demonstrated by the nominee’s interaction with others
- Commitment – the nominee has a sincere belief in their community
- Impact – the nominee’s activity or program produced positive changes, provided examples for other groups
- Initiative – the nominee recognizes a need in their local community and initiates new programs or activities to meet that need
- Leadership – the nominee demonstrates singular leadership to contribute to their community
- Time – the nominee dedicates considerable time and energy to making a difference in their community
Proceeds from the event will benefit hard-working ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households throughout Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties. United Way defines ALICE households as those which earn above the basic Federal Poverty Level, but below a basic cost-of-living threshold. ALICE households live paycheck to paycheck and don’t have enough money for basic needs including housing, childcare, food, transportation, and health care.
Please visit www.uwwesternct.org/hhnomination to complete the online nomination form by Friday, September 15, 2017. Nominations received after that date cannot be considered. UWWC plans to select honorees by mid-October. For more information about Hometown Heroes, please contact Stacy Schulman at stacy.schulman@uwwesternct.org or 203-826-8479.
About United Way of Western Connecticut
United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) helps residents across Northern Fairfield County, Southern Litchfield County and the City of Stamford by focusing on the vital building blocks for a good life: Education, Financial Stability and Health. Our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the power of caring communities to create lasting change. We are committed to ensuring that every child enters school ready to learn, every family is financially stable, and every community we serve is healthy and strong. We are particularly focused on a population that United Way identifies as ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) in our communities. A United Way report published in October 2016 revealed that in Connecticut, more than 1 in 4 households has earnings above the Federal Poverty Level, but below a basic cost-of-living threshold. Combined with those who are struggling below poverty level, 38% of all households in the state are experiencing financial hardship. By leveraging the collective power of the community, we are focused on creating an environment where individuals and families are self-sufficient and can achieve financial independence.
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Contact:
Sofi Dupi
Manager, Digital Media and Communications
United Way of Western Connecticut
203-297-6726
sofia.dupi@uwwesternct.org
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