Mohegan Sun receives the top honor
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut hosted its Community Celebration event to recognize local businesses, organizations, and volunteers for their outstanding engagement efforts that positively impact Southeastern Connecticut. Four nonprofit agencies, all of which are United Way partner programs, also shared with the audience impact stories that United Way donations help make possible. .jpg)
The Celebration was held at and sponsored by Mohegan Sun so that no donor dollars were used towards the event. United Way Board Members Ornet Hines of Liberty Bank and Nancy Cowser served as co-emcees.
The theme of the event was “Make Your United Way Moment.” Dina Sears-Graves, President and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, encouraged the audience to make their own moment by sponsoring, volunteering at, or attending an event. “Remember it takes all of us to make things happen,” Sears-Graves said, “But it takes intention and action.”
A series of honors were announced and/or presented at the Celebration. Some of the recipients include: Mohegan Sun; Norwich Public Utilities; General Dynamics-Electric Boat and the EB Employees’ Community Services Association; the Town of Ledyard; and volunteer Charlie Rogers.
Mohegan Sun (pictured) received the highest honor of the day, the Chairman’s Award of Excellence. Their employee giving campaign increased significantly above the set goal, and they had one of the highest campaign totals in their giving history. An innovative approach they added this year was the start of their slot machine donation program where players could contribute part of their winnings to United Way. Mohegan Sun employees volunteer annually at the Tommy Toy Fund and build bikes to donate to local nonprofits.
Click here to view the list of all award winners.
Speakers representing a partner in each of United Way’s four impact areas – Basic Needs, Community Wellness, Promoting Independence, and Thriving Children and Youth -- shared stories on how their work is making a difference in our community, thanks in part to United Way donations. The organizations were:
- Promoting Independence – Norwich Free Academy
- Basic Needs – New London Homeless Hospitality Center
- Community Wellness – TVCCA
- Thriving Children & Youth – Safe Futures
