The Valley United Way will be kicking off its 49th annual community fundraising campaign Tuesday (Sept. 27) at Emmett O’Brien Technical High School from 5 to 7 p.m.
The school is at 141 Prindle Ave. in Ansonia. Click here for more information.
In advance of Tuesday’s kick-off, this year’s Community Campaign Chair, Shelton’s Jimmy Tickey, answered a few questions about the campaign and a recent canvassing effort via e‑mail.
The Q&A is below.
Valley Independent Sentinel: Last week you and others from the Valley United Way canvassed small businesses in the Valley. Why?
Jimmy Tickey: As the new Chair for the Valley United Way Community Campaign, we wanted to reinvigorate the idea of getting involved in every aspect of our Valley community. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and we wanted to go door to door to talk with small business owners about how we can partner together for the benefit of the Valley community. My campaign cabinet, along with Valley United Way Youth Leaders laced up our shoes and walked all of the Valley downtown districts — it was great fun.
Valley Indy: What did you learn?
Tickey: We learned about each of the small businesses in our Valley’s downtown districts. So many of our downtown areas are seeing a rise in quality small businesses that are providing goods to the areas they serve. Seeing folks walk the streets of downtown Seymour, Shelton and other towns popping in and out of shops was refreshing — and we need more of those good local stores. Because small businesses are often owned and operated locally, they have an interest in the future of their community. For them, partnering with the Valley United Way makes a lot of sense. We, too, appreciate that partnership as we work to help families in need, support people in crisis and prepare youth to succeed.
Valley Indy: You’re leading the Valley United Way’s annual community campaign. Why should people contribute?
Tickey: Everyone knows the United Way – they are the leading philanthropic organization in the country, but what makes our Valley United Way unique is that you give once, and help so many. The Valley United Way allocates all of its funding locally – to Shelton, Derby, Seymour, Ansonia and Oxford. So, by giving to the Valley United Way your dollars are making an impact right here at home. We have a great deal of need in our community, from families living on the edge of financial collapse to not knowing where their next meal is coming from. But the Valley United Way is working with our partner agencies to not just fix the problem for today, but find long term solutions. I am so proud to be leading our Community Campaign this year, and leading the effort to raise $1million for our Valley.
Valley Indy: How can people contribute?
Tickey: They can go to www.ValleyUnitedWay.org, or call 203-926-9478 and we are happy to get them more information.
Valley Indy What else does the Valley United Way have coming up in the community?
Tickey: We are kicking off our Community Campaign on Tuesday, September 27th at Emmet O’Brien High School at 5:00pm — all are welcome, and the event is free to attend.
