The 2010 United Way Community Campaign kicked off on Friday, September 3 with a celebration at local United Way headquarters and a record-breaking United Way Day of Caring volunteer effort.

At the United Way building at 30 Laurel Street, Andy Bessette, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of The Travelers Companies, Inc., unveiled this year’s Community Campaign fundraising goal of $25.8 million. He was lifted high above the crowd by a Northeast Utilities line truck to reveal the goal, which is displayed on the side of the building.

As the goal was unveiled, thousands of employees from more than 50 local workplaces spread out across central and northeastern Connecticut to complete volunteer projects at more than 200 nonprofit sites, as part of the 19^th annual United Way Day of Caring.

“United Way Day of Caring has become so popular that this year we’re extending the opportunity throughout the month of September,” noted 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 annual United Way Community Campaign. “All told, 5,653 volunteers from 55 workplaces will participate at 273 sites this year. It’s a great chance to give of your time and a perfect way to inaugurate the Community Campaign,” added Dunn.

Like the United Way Community Campaign, United Way Day of Caring helps local nonprofit organizations provide the building blocks of a good life – education, income, and health, including a safety net of services – for everyone in the 40 towns of central and northeastern Connecticut. This year, Day of Caring volunteers read to preschoolers, painted community rooms at an agency that offers free tax preparation, and prepared meals for the hungry. This volunteer effort allows nonprofits to focus more time and dollars on serving the community.

Now in its 86th year, the United Way Community Campaign mobilizes more than 700 workplaces and thousands of individuals to raise the resources that provide opportunities for a better life for everyone in our region. Contributions to United Way Community Investment through the campaign stay local and help to ensure success for children, financial stability for lower-income families, and a safety net of services for everyone in central and northeastern Connecticut.

The fundraising results of the 2010 United Way Community Campaign will be announced at noon on Tuesday, November 30th at a luncheon at the Pratt & Whitney Hangar in East Hartford, Connecticut.

See photos from Day of Caring here!