United Way of Southeastern Connecticut Recognizes Outstanding Business Partners, Donors, and Dedicated Volunteers at Community Celebration

United Way of Southeastern Connecticut (United Way) held its annual Community Celebration on Aug. 19 at 8 a.m. on the Sun Patio at Mohegan Sun. The annual event brings together United Way Partner Programs, contributing businesses, donors, and volunteers to recognize their collective impact and celebrate another year of working together to help our community thrive.

Last year, United Way served a total of 109 programs, impacting more than 129,000 lives. United Way invested $11,626,001 into New London County through a combination of traditional allocations grants, direct program funding, value of food distributed, and state and federal grants.

This year’s celebration featured the announcement of 13 Community Engagement Awards. These awards honor the hard work of volunteers, donors, partner organizations, and corporate supporters in helping to advance United Way’s mission: to inspire and coordinate the generosity and commitment that sustains a united, thriving community. Five signature awards recognized individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to United Way’s mission over the past year:

• Mohegan Sun received United Way’s highest honor, the Chairman’s Award of Excellence, in recognition of its exceptional year-round partnership and community support. Its 2025 workplace campaign increased fundraising by 7% over the previous year and remained United Way’s second-largest campaign. Mohegan Sun also supported Young Leaders United fundraisers, hosted a virtual food drive generating the equivalent of 1,371 donated items, and engaged 17 summer interns in volunteering at the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center.
• Campaign Coordinators of the Year: General Dynamics/Electric Boat, Electric Boat Employees' Community Services Association (EBECSA) Committee – brought on a significant number of new employee donors, supported many United Way initiatives, and partnered with union volunteers to help collect the equivalent of 134,590 meals for the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center (Food Center) at four food show collections.
• Community Support & Generosity: WONDR Nation, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation – in recognition of its exceptional financial support, volunteer engagement, and year-round partnership. As the presenting sponsor of Days of Caring since the initiative began, WONDR Nation has helped make these community volunteer projects possible while also engaging employees in each of this year’s four events. Together with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, its support also extends to the Gemma Legacy Fund, United Way programs, and key fundraising initiatives throughout the year.
• Community Collaboration: Rotary Clubs of Southeastern Connecticut – Local Rotary Clubs led the Rotary Epic Day of Service Meal Packing Event, helping to pack nearly 42,000 meals.
• Volunteer of the Year: Bill Skeens – Skeens received the award in recognition of his exceptional commitment to serving the community. A longtime United Way volunteer, he became a founding member of Retire United this past year and joined its leadership committee, while continuing to give his time across Retire United affinity group activities, the Food Center, and Days of Caring.

The eight other honorees included:

• Community Partner of the Year: Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
• Agency of the Year: Reliance Health
• Employee Campaign Performance of the Year: Zachry Group
• Innovation Award: CT Sun
• Loyal Company of the Year: CorePlus and CorePlus doing business as Scient
• School Engagement of the Year: Norwich Public Schools
• Community Engagement Award: Norwich Public Utilities
• Special Recognition: Ledyard High School Youth Alive Bible Club

Additionally, representatives from six United Way Partner Programs spoke at the celebration. These programs support three of United Way’s Impact Areas: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security.

Speakers included:

• Jennifer Granger – CEO, United Community & Family Services Healthcare (School-Based Health Centers, United Way newly funded program)
• Stacey Lawton – CEO, Southeastern Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence (Withdrawal Management program)
• Gigi Gonzalez-Cottrell – corps officer, Salvation Army (Red Shield Youth Center, United Way newly funded program)
• Kathy Hollister – facilitator, Southeastern Connecticut Childcare Collective
• Tricia Cunningham – executive director, Always Home (Family Housing & Support Services, United Way newly funded program)
• Miriam Johnson – manager of inclusion & accessibility, United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern Connecticut (Economic Empowerment program)

The program’s emcees were Aaron Austin, VIP Engagement Executive, Digital Gaming for Mohegan Gaming; and Geena Arevalo, multimedia communications specialist for Mohegan Sun. Both serve on the Steering Committee for United Way’s Young Leaders United Affinity Group, with Austin chairing the committee.

“Thank you to every person in this room who chooses to get involved, give back, and take action,” said United Way President and CEO Dina Sears-Graves in her closing remarks. “Your commitment to making a difference strengthens our community and helps create a brighter future for us all. We are grateful for everything you do.”

About United Way of Southeastern Connecticut

United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is a locally based nonprofit organization supporting a network of health and human services, programs, and initiatives in New London County that work together to help people in need and improve community conditions. Supported programs make an impact in four areas: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.

United Way operates the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center which provides food to a network of member food programs in New London County and a Mobile Pantry. United Way supports 2-1-1 Connecticut for free information and referral 24/7, Project Warm-up for one-time, emergency heating assistance, Days of Caring volunteer events, and more. Visit United Way online at www.uwsect.org.