Retire United

March 25: Volunteer Activity at the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center
274 Broad Street, New London, 9 a.m. - Noon
Sorting donated food and checking expiration dates at the Food Center warehouse

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Friday, May 1 - Bingo Night at Foxwoods Resort Casino
Hosted by Retire United, Women United, and Young Leaders United
The event will raise funds for a meal packing event benefiting the Food Center
Download a flyer >>
Purchase tickets now >>

If you have questions, email retireunited@uwsect.org.

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.

If you are not seeing the form below, please click here for more about Retire United >>

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.

Kathy Chase
Kathy Chase recently retired after 24 years of dedicated service with a private nonprofit agency. She remains actively engaged in her community, serving in an elected town government role and participating on two municipal subcommittees. Kathy is also a committed volunteer with United Way, participating in Retire United and serving on the allocations panel, where she helps guide funding decisions that support critical community programs.

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.

Carol Hervey
Carol Hervey lives in Preston and is retired from Pfizer where she worked as a Project Manager.  While at Pfizer, she volunteered for a number of Days of Caring as well as the annual United Way campaign.  She has been a tutor through the Literacy Volunteers for many years.  

Connie Hilbert
Connie Hilbert is semi-retired and brings extensive leadership experience in healthcare and human services. She currently serves as a healthcare consultant and holds board leadership positions with several regional health organizations. Connie is deeply committed to advancing equitable access to high-quality healthcare and reducing health disparities, with a strong focus on strengthening systems of care for underserved communities.

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.

Marianna Gaynor McGuirk
Marianna retired from the City of New London on June 30, 2025, concluding a distinguished 35-year career in public service. Most recently, she served as Executive Assistant to the Director of Public Utilities. Throughout her career, she also worked in the Department of Health and Social Services and the Personnel Department, where she was actively involved in United Way campaigns and employee engagement initiatives. In addition to her municipal service, Marianna serves as Vice President of Public Works Union Local #1378 and was instrumental in organizing food drives to benefit the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center. She is also a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club, continuing her long-standing commitment to community service and giving back to the community she has proudly served.

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.

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.