BIC Hosts Fabulous Kickoff !

BIC Headquarters in Shelton (Click here for photo album from event)

Click to watch video from the kickoff.

Valley United Way's 2008-2009 Community Fundraising Campaign got off to an incredible start on Monday, September 22 at a reception held at the US Headquarters of BIC in Shelton. A large crowd was on hand in the atrium of the newly re-designed building to celebrate community and to learn how to "Live United" for the benefit of the entire community.

BIC Consumer Products USA  is a leading distributor of stationery products, lighters and shavers. Since its founding more than 50 years ago, BIC has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable products. Through this unwavering dedication, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands in the world today.

Paul Russo addresses the Kickoff audience.

Mike Marcinek, Chairman of the Board at Valley United Way and a four time campaign chair, served as master of ceremonies  for the evening. He welcomed the crowd and thanked BIC for their generosity in hosting the event. Paul Russo, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at BIC, then addressed the crowd giving a brief history of BIC and its products as well as describing the "Green" building techniques used in the new facility. he then re-iterated BIC's strong sense of corporate citizenship and their long history of support for United Way.

Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti gave the greetings of the city and thanked BIC and everyone in attendance for their support of the Valley's nonprofit community for the important work that they do in the Valley.

Campaign Chairman Dave Grant then took over the podium. Before his formal remarks, he introduced Inez D'Alessio of Derby and led the audience in singing Happy Birthday on the occasion of Inez's 99th Birthday!

Grant then spoke of the importance of the campaign and the Valley's long tradition of working together to take care of the needs of the community. He noted the precarious situation in the U.S. economy and the current bailout efforts, but noted in the Valley the community always comes together to meet its local challenges. He then introduced his cabinet members who will lead this year's campaign effort. Joe Andreana, a member of the cabinet and member of United Way's Board of Directors,gave the first campaign report of the year noting that United Way's Board of Directors was 100% behind this year's campaign, and that the 25 Board members had pledged a total of $32,750 to this year's campaign - an increase of 12% over a year ago.

Dave then introduced Liz Kennard, Vice Chair of the Valley Community Foundation, and Anna Arroyo, program officer at the Community Foundation for greater New Haven. They shared the good news of $40,000 in two challenge grants for this campaign. For every $2 in new and increased giving, they will add an additional $1 up to a total of $40,000! (Click here to see video).

Dave pledged his best efforts to make the campaign successful, and invited people to the annual meeting in the spring when the results of a successful campaign will be announced!

Mike Marcinek then brought up a variety of agency representatives who gave quick glimpses of how their agencies Live United every day by providing needed services in the Valley throughout the Valley.

Everyone in attendance was provided a gift bag courtesy of BIC on their way home.