Pratt & Whitney employees and the Connecticut Whale joined forces Dec. 27 for a rousing hockey game that benefited the United Way Community Campaign. Hundreds of employees from Pratt & Whitney and other United Technologies Corp. companies attended the Whale’s home game against the Albany Devils as part of a game coupon program that raises money for local charitable causes. The Whale won 3-2.

Each $14 game coupon sold through the program generated $6 for the Community Campaign. Pratt & Whitney presented a check for $2,167 from the proceeds during an on-ice break between the game’s first and second periods. Contributions to the United Way Community Campaign help to create lasting change through education, financial stability, health and safety net initiatives that serve thousands of people across the 40 towns of central and northeastern Connecticut.

The 2011 United Way Community Campaign has raised more than $25.3 million so far. UTC and its business units contributed $6.4 million, or 25 percent of the total.

“It’s hard to believe this is already the third year Pratt & Whitney has chosen the United Way Community Campaign to receive Whale ticket proceeds, and it continues their longstanding tradition as a true partner and supporter of our organization,” said Susan B. Dunn, president and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, which partners with Community Health Charities of New England for the Community Campaign. “It’s inspiring to know that as we root on the Whale, we’re also supporting lasting change in our community and Living United – something UTC and its business units have been doing for many years,” she added. “They set the standard for making it fun for employees to give, advocate and volunteer.”

Photo Caption: Pratt & Whitney and the Connecticut Whale presented a check for $2,167 to the United Way Community Campaign at XL Center on Tuesday night. The donation comprised proceeds from Pratt & Whitney’s sales of coupons to the Whale’s home games. Shown left to right: Howard Baldwin, Jr, President and COO of Whalers Sports and Entertainment; Doug Cleary, military aftermarket support director, Pratt & Whitney; Susan B. Dunn, president and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern CT; Paula Gilberto, senior vice president, United Way of Central and Northeastern CT; and Steven Stephan, JSTARS integration manager, Pratt & Whitney.