Pam Fischer, AAA NJ Automobile Club, looked forward to United Way's Centennial in 2022.  Pam noted community trends in the county including urban growth, industry shifts, an aging population, an increasing immigrant population, and the ever-increasing need for housing that is affordable for all.
 
Kevin Rigby, Novartis, reflected on how quickly things have changed in his lifetime while thinking about the future of Morris County in 2022:

"I have a great deal of hope for 2022, and the work we will be doing – together – is a part of it."  Kevin talked about United Way's initiatives throughout the community including the Housing Alliance, Caregiver's Coalition, Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Campaign, and Commercial Real Estate Network.

Kevin congratulated all involved in United Way's community building work: "Convening and collaborating, deepening our understanding of community needs, building new partnerships in response to those needs.  This is the unique strength of United Way; it's what we do best, and what we'll continue to do."  

Peter Watts, KKJ Consulting LLC and United Way Campaign Co-Chair, thanked everyone for their generosity and encouraged us all to go above and beyond this year: "There are critical needs here in our backyard - needs you might not see.  Katrina has challenged us this fall – and I am sure that we will all do everything we can to help, in ways both large and small – and that we will also work to keep our focus and commitment to Morris County."
 
Peter recognized community partners for their work:
John Bonanni, Morris County Administrator     
Members of the Housing Alliance
Lauretta Muldoon, UPS                       
Elaine Thornberry, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC

Peter presented United Way’s highest honor, the Kellogg Award, to Deloitte & Touche for their outstanding support of United Way and its mission.  Joe Delaney, long-time campaign coordinator for United Way accepted the award on the firm's behalf.  Joe noted, "I feel I am in a room full of heroes today.  We know there will always be people in need, but we also know there will always be people like you to help.  Even though the fall is the traditional time for United Way corporate campaigns, there is a culture at Deloitte& Touche that feels that United Way is a cause for all seasons."
 
John Franklin, CEO of United Way of Morris County, recognized the outstanding contributions of Patricia Sly, Atlantic Health System, who is retiring as Chair of the Board of Directors.

The event culminated with a performance by the college graduating class of 2022 from El Primer Paso, Dover, as they sang songs in English and Spanish.