Unitil’s George Gantz presented plaques on behalf of Community Builders to Ron Ledger of Leominster, Susan Roser of Ashburnham, Lisa Martel of Shirley, Kathleen Haskell of Leominster and John Flick of Gardner for their volunteer service at United Way of North Central Masschusetts’ Day of Caring and Campaign Kickoff event. (held Thursday, September 20th at the Four Points Sheraton, Leominster, MA)
Evelyn Delgado of Leominster, Barbara McGowan of Leominster, Rose-Marie Bissonnette of Lancaster and Wil Darcangelo of Fitchburg pose for a photo after receiving a Fellowship from Community Builders, an initiative that encourages people to get involved in their community.

Thursday, September 20, 2007 – Change matters! That was the message United Way of North Central Massachusetts delivered to over 500 volunteers that turned out for the 12th Annual Day of Caring and annual campaign kickoff event at the Sheraton Four Points in Leominster Wednesday morning.

According to Rich Palmer, chair of the Day of Caring and executive director of the Montachusett Area YMCA, individuals from area businesses volunteer for the day to help over 50 nonprofits fix, repair and spruce up their facilities. “As a nonprofit, the value of what these volunteers provide is immense. The majority of these projects would never get done due to limited resources and staff.”

The day-long event got started with a rally to launch United Way’s annual campaign drive, which raises money through corporate donations and employee contributions for local health and human service programs. Scott Howard, chair of the organization, said they are seeking to raise an additional $200,000 in Community IMPACT Funds. “Our annual campaign is critical to creating change in our community,” noted Howard.

Before the volunteers headed out to their projects, five individuals were recognized for giving back to the community with their time and talents by Community Builders, a partnership between United Way, Mount Wachusett Community College and Ashoka to promote community involvement.

Unitil’s George Gantz, a sponsor of the initiative along with Bemis in Shirley, presented a plaque bearing a small hammer to: John Flick of Gardner, president & board of directors for the Gardner VNA; Kathleen A. Haskell of Leominster, chapter president of the Worcester County National Education Assistance Dog Service (NEADS); Lisa Martel of Shirley, a volunteer with Loaves & Fishes; Susan Roser of Ashburnham, board of directors for the Charitable Foundation of the North Central Massachusetts Association of Realtors (NCMAR) and business partner for a non-profit group formed to provide a variety of services to the community; and Ron Ledger of Leominster, an all-around volunteer who has been instrumental in helping Habitat for Humanity build homes.

In addition, Community Builders awarded four Fellows to area residents who have creative ideas about how to get others involved to build a stronger community. Fellow recipients receive coaching, networking opportunities and a financial stipend to turn their plan into action.

Rose-Marie Bissonnette of Lancaster, MA, founded the Central Massachusetts Limb Loss Support Group in an effort to educate and support people and their families experiencing amputation.

Wil Darcangelo of Fitchburg, MA, founded the Rollstone Performing Arts Series as a way to engage and educate the people of Fitchburg in the arts. The goal is to cultivate city pride and influence the city’s economic development by drawing more people to Fitchburg.

Barbara McGowan of Leominster, MA created an instructional booklet called Safety First for non-English speaking children and their families as a learning tool that highlights basic safety concepts.

And a Fellowship Affiliate Award was given to Evelyn Delgado of Leominster, MA, who has formed a group of young adults that will use their talents in music to find their voice and empower them to contribute to their community in their musical endeavors.

Before heading out to their projects, Palmer thanked the community. “The enthusiasm and support we receive each year continues to amaze me.” Palmer also thanked all the financial supporters including SimplexGrinnell, which was a major sponsor of the event.

Following the completion of the projects, a barbeque was held at Dunn Park in Gardner.

For information about giving to the United Way’s Annual Campaign Drive, call 978-345-1577 or visit their website at www.uwncm.org.

United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Barre, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.