Retire United

Retire United leverages the diverse skill sets and experience of retirees to create meaningful impact and opportunities in our communities through philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy

By harnessing the diverse skills and experiences of retirees, Retire United supports community needs while helping retirees stay active and engaged. Members can contribute financially through volunteerism and through advocacy for United Way of Southeastern Connecticut.

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Tony Capon
Tony Capon lives in Ledyard and has served on several town boards and commissions. He is a retired Sociology Professor from the University of Pittsburgh. While at Pitt, he also served on the Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries of the Conemaugh Valley, including two terms as Board President.

Joan Wessell
Joan Wessell is the retired Executive Director of Senior Resources in Eastern Connecticut. She has held numerous volunteer leadership roles with United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, including co-chairing the Community Investment Committee, participating in the allocations process, and serving on the Board of Directors as Chair of the Finance Committee.

Bill Skeens
Bill Skeens is retired from General Dynamics Applied Physical Sciences Corporation. He volunteers monthly at Mobile Food Pantries with United Way and serves as Vice President of Start Fresh, an organization dedicated to refugee resettlement in southeastern Connecticut. He also volunteers with CT Dog Gone Recovery Volunteers (CTDGRV), assisting in the search and recovery of lost dogs.

Don Kluberdanz
Don Kluberdanz, of Pawcatuck, is a retired Navy engineer with 40 years of service at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. He currently serves as an election official, assisting Stonington residents at the polls. Don holds a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from Tufts University. Like Bill, he volunteers monthly at Mobile Food Pantries with United Way.

Lee-Ann Gomes
Lee-Ann Gomes worked for the City of Norwich for 36 years in the Human Services Department, first as a caseworker, then as a supervisor, and ultimately as Director. Her work included housing issues, youth and family programs, and support services for seniors. She serves on many boards, including the Dime Bank and United Community and Family Services. Her passions include volunteerism, reading, traveling, gardening, and sewing.

Your sponsorship will support the operation of the Retire United Program while gaining your brand meaningful visibility across events, campaigns, and community outreach seen by thousands of residents, leaders, and organizations throughout Southeastern CT.

Presenting Donor (Major Gift Sponsor) – $10,000+

• Logo placement and link on the Retire United webpage
• 30-second recorded radio spot highlighting your partnership
• Opportunity to Share Your Brand Story and Services with Retire United Members
• Featured article in one edition of UWSECT’s e-newsletter (distributed to 7,800+ subscribers)
• Three social media posts, one each on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, highlighting your support (combined estimated reach: 7,000+ followers)
• Recognition with logo in the UWSECT Annual Report (mailed to 250+ key donors, plus 6,000 postcards and 7,000+ email recipients)
• Invitation to the United Way Donor Reception
• Includes all benefits listed below

Community Builder – $5,000

• Logo placement on the Retire United webpage
• Opportunity to Share Your Brand Story and Services with Retire United Members
• Two social media posts, one each on Facebook and Instagram (combined estimated reach: 6,000+ followers)
• Your logo may be featured in electronic promotions and/or event-day materials for each Retire United event held over the next 12 months. (Event frequency may vary.)
• Recognition with logo in the UWSECT Annual Report (mailed to 250+ key donors, plus 6,000 postcards and 7,000+ email recipients)
• Invitation to the United Way Donor Reception
• Includes all benefits listed below

Friend of Retire United – $2,500

• Name listed on the Retire United webpage
• One social media story for 24 hours (on Facebook and Instagram, combined estimated reach: 6,000+ followers)
• Recognition with name in the UWSECT Annual Report (mailed to 250+ key donors, plus 6,000 postcards and 7,000+ email recipients)

Mobilize Lifelong Experience for Community Good Your support transforms retirement into a platform for purpose, channeling the experience and leadership of retirees into hands-on support for local families and nonprofits.

Create a Legacy of Impact Retire United is more than a volunteer program, it’s a community-powered movement. Your sponsorship fuels educational sessions, outreach efforts, and hands-on volunteer opportunities that make a lasting difference. At the same time, you’re strengthening our community through United Way-funded programs.

Support a Unique Model of Engagement Retire United empowers a deeply engaged yet often overlooked group, retirees, through training, coordination, and tools they need to contribute meaningfully and sustainably.

Gain Meaningful Visibility Sponsors are recognized across events, campaigns, and outreach efforts, with your name reaching thousands of community members, leaders, and partner organizations across Southeastern CT.

Join the Movement Your sponsorship is more than a contribution, it’s an investment in a stronger, more connected future for us all. Together, we can make retirement a force for good.

If you would like to learn more, please send an email to retireunited@uwsect.org.