2008 Chairman's Award Recipient
Proto-Power Corporation
Founded in 1974, and located in Groton, Proto-Power is an Engineering company that provides engineering, design, and project management services to the commercial nuclear power industry. Proto-Power also develops, sells, and maintains systems analysis software with their 130 employees.
Proto-Power has been a strong supporter of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut for many years. Their United Way contributions include employee and corporate donations in conjunction with numerous internal activities that spark excitement in the workplace and promote community involvement. Proto-Power's Mike Kerst, volunteers his time to promote awareness of United Way through participation on the Allocations Committee and the Campaign Cabinet. This year Proto-Power ran as a Trailblazer and kicked off their employee giving campaign early, essentially "blazin' the trail" along with twelve organizations within our community to jump start the 2008 campaign. This years Proto-Power campaign yielded the following results:
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Total amount raised was $67,429
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Increased their donations by 60%
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Increased employee participation from 45% to 69%
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Per capita employee contributions increased from $248 to $292 per employee
Each year, Proto-Power elects a chairperson to lead their United Way campaign. Under the guidance of Don Wiwczar, they ran a successful 2008 campaign that focused on awareness. Their employee giving campaign ran for one week, during that time they held raffles, had tug-of-war contests, penny wars, dress down for United Way days and visited United Way partner agencies to increase their colleagues knowledge of the programs funded by United Way of Southeastern Connecticut.
In 2005, Proto-Power was purchased by Zachry, a large construction company located in San Antonio, Texas. Zachry's support of the United Way's throughout the nation is best exemplified by the $6,176,886 that they committed to contribute for 2009. Proto-Power is no stranger to our community. With the support from their parent company, Zachry, Proto-Power has expanded their support of our community through Day of Caring projects through the United Way. Their Community Action Committee, chaired by Mike Gauy has sprung into action through various projects to help support those in need within our community. Here is a brief list of the projects this group has been working on:
- Day of Caring at the Small World Day Care Center
- Food Drives that brought in TONS of food
- Polar Express Christmas gift donations to support 5 area families
- Coat and clothing drives
- Day of Caring at the Riverfront Children's Center
- Participated in the Extreme Makeover:Home Edition build in Voluntown
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