Windon, who grew up in the Manahan Village section of Morristown, paved a path of success in the entertainment industry, running portions of Queen Latifah's production company.  Windon attributes his success to lessons he learned at the United Way-funded Teen/Tot Learning Program at Collinsville Child Care Center.

"My life changed the moment I started with Teen/Tot.  There, I learned skills I use everyday.  I was motivated as a teen to literally draw up a blueprint for my life," he said, holding aloft the very notebook he has carried for 14 years.  Windon recently started his own talent management company.

Dr. Thomas Kane, Morris County Superintendent of Schools and United Way Board member, stressed the significance of after school activities in decreasing at-risk behaviors.  "By reducing our children's unsupervised time at home, we may be able to reduce our children's risk for involvement in alcohol, drugs, and violence.  Morris County has exceptional recreation, community center, municipal alliance, and non-profit programs, all offered during after school hours.  If our children are not involved, we need to reach out to our communities to get the word out."  

Kane highlighted the many youth-focused programs supported by United Way that are delivering positive results in areas such as school readiness, addressing risk factors facing middle school children, and mentoring teens.

John Franklin, CEO of United Way of Morris County, noted, "We see a great deal of promise in this next generation, but we still face complex social issues, like drug and alcohol abuse at increasingly younger ages.  The best answers are found in community collaborations.  When organizations partner together, we achieve our best results."

Kristen Warms, former Staff Manager for United Way's Youth Leadership & Service Council, presented the George Baldwin Youth Volunteer award to Kate Whitehead, honoring her passion for making a difference in the community.

Kira Mendez, Kairos Consulting and Chair of United Way's Board of Directors, moderated the event and presented United Way's Gold Award to R. David Pettit, Center for Context, and 2006 Partnerships Awards to Theresa Davis, Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities, and Veterans; Wendy Lazarus, Pfizer Inc; Beth Searing, Pfizer Inc; Ruth and Michael Lewin, Sir Speedy, East Hanover; and members of the Immigrant Resources Network of Morris County. 

The event culminated with the presentation of The Kellogg Award to PricewaterhouseCoopers, a long-standing partner in United Way's mission of improving lives.  Accepting the award was New York Metro Region Managing Partner, Brendan Dougher. 

Entertainment was provided by Andrea Frederick, a student at Morristown High School, who delighted the crowd with a lovely piano rendition of Gershwin's "Our Love is Here to Stay."