Press Releases
United Way of Morris County Highlights Importance of Investing in Youth
Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition celebrates programs, people that
support youth
September 28, 2006 – Florham Park, NJ – Supporting Morris County's youth and building the next generation of leaders was the theme of United Way of Morris County's Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held September 28, 2006 at Hamilton Park in Florham Park. Over 230 representatives from non-profits, corporations, small businesses, schools, and the community-at-large gathered to celebrate "tomorrow's leaders" at the event, which highlighted the importance of programs and groups that serve Morris County's children and youth.
Speaker Dr. Thomas Kane, Morris County superintendent of schools and United Way board member, stressed the significance of after school activities to help decrease at-risk behaviors and keep teens on track. "Morris County has exceptional recreation, community center, municipal alliance, and non-profit programs throughout the county, 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."
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. It is clear the best answers are found in community collaborations. When organizations that share a common vision work together, we have achieved our best results."
James Windon, former participant of a United Way-funded program at Collinsville Child Care Center, shared his perspective on the importance of youth-focused programs. 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, and most recently, starting his own talent management company, WManagement. Windon attributes much of his success to the Teen/Tot Learning Program at Collinsville Child Care Center.
United Way also recognized the following volunteers for their community service: Theresa Davis, Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities, and Veterans; Wendy Lazarus, Pfizer Inc; Ruth and Michael Lewin, Sir Speedy, East Hanover; R. David Pettit, Center for Context; Beth Searing, Pfizer Inc; Kate Whitehead; and members of the Immigrant Resources Network. The event culminated with the presentation of The Kellogg Award to PricewaterhouseCoopers, a long-standing partner in United Way's mission of improving lives. Receiving the award was New York Metro Region Managing Partner, Brendan Dougher. Entertainment was provided by Andrea Frederick, a student at Morristown High School, who sang and played the piano.
About United Way of Morris County
United Way of Morris County is dedicated to helping people and improving the quality of life for all residents. We address issues most critical to the future of Morris County by bringing attention, expertise, and resources to them. For more information, visit us on the web at www.uwmorris.org, or call 973.993.1160.
Contact
Jean Funk
Marketing Communications
United Way of Morris County
973.993.1160, x114
Email
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