Montgomery, NY – Orange County United Way held its Annual Dedication and Service Celebration Dinner on March 17th at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor. The Wizard of Oz themed event recognized several individuals and companies whose outstanding service to Orange County United Way and the entire community prove why “there’s no place like home.” Community leaders also joined Orange County United Way in celebrating the successful conclusion of its 2010/2011 annual campaign, which reached its goal of raising $1.26 million dollars.
Donning ruby red slippers was Master of Ceremonies Judy Eurich, President & CPO of Orange County United Way. The fast-paced program and awards ceremony honored individuals, businesses, and organizations including the following:
The Marion S. Murphy “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Award was presented to two individuals whose value of and concern for people are demonstrated through their vision, leadership, service, and commitment to the community. Robert E. Hatfield, Jr., Vice President of Government Banking for Citizens Bank was revered for a lifetime of service to the Orange County non-profit community. His phenomenal service to Orange County United Way alone spans over four decades. Lt. Col. Glendon A. Fraser was honored for serving the community as the Founding Member and President of the Major General Irene Trowell-Harris Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Lt. Col. Fraser has been spent the last 13 years championing the field of aviation. Together, our Marion S. Murphy winners have provided 55 years of volunteer service in Orange County.
Dr. David E. Noriega, Assistant Superintendent of Student Intervention and Support Services for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, was presented the very first Employee Campaign Manager (ECM) of the Year award. ECMs are individuals who volunteer to run an Orange County United Way campaign at their organization. Due in large part to Dr. Noriega’s leadership as an ECM, his school district’s United Way campaign has increased by an incredible 184 percent since 2001.
The Spirit of Caring Award was presented to three companies with a strong community focus and outstanding success during this year’s campaign: Ball Corporation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, and Orange Regional Medical Center. The Community Partner Award was given to Middletown Enlarged City School District for their successful employee campaign and for serving as a positive example for school districts throughout Orange County.
“We are supremely grateful to all the wonderful individuals and organizations in Orange County who have opened their hearts and wallets even in the midst of difficult economic times,” said Campaign Chair David Jolly. “It has been both an inspiring and rewarding experience serving as Campaign Chair. Now, I am excited to pass the torch to Joe Daily of Clear Channel of the Hudson Valley, who will run the first merged campaign with Dutchess County United Way. We are confident that bringing the resources of Orange and Dutchess Counties together will result in great results for the 2011 – 2012 Campaign.”
Click here to view photos from the event.
Orange County United Way is a nonprofit organization that funds programs and projects that help children and youth succeed, promote financial stability, and promote health and well-being. For more information about ways to help your community through Orange County United Way or for a list of the programs United Way funds, call (845) 457-4774 or log onto www.uwoc.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyUnitedWayNY, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ocunitedway.
