Bethel's Brotherhood in Action to be Honored at the Hometown Hero Awards

United Way of Western Connecticut to Host 3rd Annual Hometown Heroes Benefit Dinner in Danbury on February 27, 2016

Honoring heroes in our community who distinguish themselves through philanthropy and volunteerism

On February 27, 2016, United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) will host its third annual Hometown Heroes Benefit Dinner at The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. UWWC is honoring local businesses and community members from Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties who distinguish themselves through philanthropy and volunteerism.

This year’s award recipients include:

-        Corporate Philanthropy Award to Kimberly-Clark Corporation for exemplifying corporate social responsibility and demonstrating a strong commitment to giving back to the community

-        Corporate Volunteer Award to Savings Bank of Danbury in honor of their leadership in promoting volunteerism as a part of their corporate culture

-        Small Business Hero Award to Ralph McIntosh, Del-Tron Precision, Inc. in recognition of his leadership, commitment and generosity to the greater Danbury community

Nine Hometown Hero Awards will be presented to the following individuals and nonprofit agency in appreciation and recognition for giving back to towns from within UWWC’s service area including:

Bethel
Brotherhood In Action

Brotherhood In Action came about as a common interest of three religious fraternal organizations and was founded on the premise that people have common needs regardless of their backgrounds and help could be provided in similar fashion to all. Its governing board is made up of members of Eureka Lodge, Freemasons, and Pavia Council, Knights of Columbus. For more than 25 years, Brotherhood In Action has organized community wide support in the form of food, household items, toys, clothes and monetary gifts. It organizes food collections and deliveries to individuals and families in Bethel at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Throughout the year, Brotherhood In Action also provides food and other assistance to families on a weekly basis as needed. Last year alone, Brotherhood In Action provided meals to over 300 Bethel families. Recipients get fresh food, produce, canned goods, breakfast items, and snacks. Food is also provided on a continual basis to the St. Thomas Food Pantry, which also serves the residents of Bethel. The contributions of Brotherhood In Action have had a tremendous impact on the Bethel community.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Sonia Manzano, author and actress who inspired, educated, and delighted children and families as "Maria" on Sesame Street for over 30 years. A first generation American of Latino descent, Sonia’s story is one of perseverance and courage as she overcame countless obstacles to become one of the most influential Latinas in television. The event will include dinner and dancing, as well as silent and live auctions. The evening will be emceed by NFL stadium announcer, John Heffernan. Both Sonia and John will also welcome guests at a VIP reception at 5:00 pm prior to the Benefit Dinner.

Proceeds from this event will benefit UWWC’s work in support of ALICE families throughout Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties. A United Way acronym, ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These individuals and families are employed – often with more than one job – yet struggle to make ends meet. They live paycheck to paycheck and are forced to make hard choices regarding their healthcare, childcare, transportation, and housing needs. ALICE families often earn too much to qualify for social services. UWWC provides support through financial coaching, access to food banks, and availability of early childhood literacy programs, among others.

For further information and to purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit our website at

http://www.uwwesternct.org/events/hometown-heroes-benefit-dinner or contact Stacy Schulman at stacy.schulman@uwwesternct.org  or (203) 792-5330 ext. 247.