Fred Ortoli works.
Ortoli, a photographer, is the chairman of this year’s fundraising campaign for the Valley United Way. The organization officially launched its latest campaign Wednesday night at the Griffin Hospital Community Cancer Center. Some 200 people attended.
You’d think Ortoli, of Oxford, would take a moment to bask in the limelight?
Nope.
He was too busy working — in this case, snapping photos of the audience, speakers and members of the United Way Board of Directors. Even after he made a speech at the podium about the United Way, there he was again, using his camera as community service.
It’s undoubtedly the sort of spirit that allows the United Way to raise — and then distribute — thousands upon thousands of dollars to Valley organizations each year.
The official kickoff Wednesday happened at Griffin Hospital for two reasons:
1. Griffin is celebrating its 100th birthday this year
2. The employees embrace the United Way’s “live united” philosophy — especially during the downturned economy.
Hospital CEO Patrick Charmel relayed the story of a man who came to the emergency department last year with his wife and three children.
While being treated, the man’s wife told nurses that not only was her husband unemployed — his benefits had run out and the family hadn’t eaten in three days.
The nurse contacted a social worker — and Griffin employees assisted the family. That act of kindness morphed into a massive food drive by Griffin employees for area food pantries, which, at the time of the incident, had a long waiting list.
Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri suggested Griffin’s community involvement could be a key component in health care reform.
“Maybe the people in Washington should spend some time in Derby,” Staffieri said. “On second thought, nah. I wouldn’t want to lose (Patrick Charmel) to become a ‘health czar.’”
