May 28

February 25, 2003
MERRIMACK BREWERY EMPLOYEES, ANHEUSER-BUSCH DONATE
$155,791 TO UNITED WAY OF GREATER NASHUA

(Merrimack, NH) - United Way of Greater Nashua received an increase in support to its 2002 campaign from Anheuser-Busch Merrimack brewery employees' pledges and from the Anheuser-Busch Foundation. United Way of Greater Nashua funds more than 50 local health and human service programs through 24 non-profit agencies.

"Helping people in this area is a great concern to Anheuser-Busch and its employees," said Dennis A. Nesbitt, plant manager, Anheuser-Busch Merrimack brewery. "We're pleased that our donations have continued to increase significantly over the past few years," he added.

The donation includes an estimated $85,000 from brewery employees' pledges, representing a 10 percent increase over the previous year. The Anheuser-Busch Foundation, which supports local organizations in communities in which the company operates breweries and other major facilities, donated the additional $70,791, an increase of 5 percent compared to 2001. The Anheuser-Busch Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Anheuser-Busch, donates funds to hundreds of charities each year and covers a wide range of local organizations.

"United Way of Greater Nashua is extremely grateful for the ongoing support from Anheuser-Busch employees and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation," said Kenneth Grabeau, chair of United Way of Greater Nashua's Board of Directors. "Their contribution will go a long way toward helping improve lives in the 11 communities we serve."

Grabeau accepted the donation in the brewhouse at the Merrimack plant. Nesbitt presented the contribution on behalf of the Merrimack brewery's 500 employees and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation Board of Trustees. Anheuser-Busch and its charitable foundation have supported United Way of Greater Nashua for several decades.

The local United Way improves people's lives by supporting innovative health and human service programs that have positive, measurable outcomes. In 2002, United Way of Greater Nashua helped 53,600 participants of programs supported by its General Fund. Its goal this year is to assist an additional 2,000 program participants.

March 12, 2003
UNITED WAY THANKS SUPPORTERS FOR CAMPAIGN WORK;
DONATIONS UP OVERALL, MORE ATTENTION NEEDED FOR GENERAL FUND

(Nashua, NH) -- Despite tough economic times, the Greater Nashua community pulled together to contribute more than ever to United Way during the 2002 Campaign, United Way of Greater Nashua leaders told representatives of local companies who attended the campaign finale last night.

The $2,841,131 raised by local companies represent an 8.5 percent increase over last year. Donations to the General Fund - gifts that are not designated to specific agencies - were off, however.

"When we kicked off the 2002 Campaign back in September, we took a non-traditional approach to setting our goal," said Campaign Co-chair Edward Zraket, vice president of BAE SYSTEMS. "Instead of focusing on dollars, we focused on our desired end result - improving people's lives. Our goal was to improve the lives of 55,600 participants of programs supported by our General Fund - that's 2,000 more than last year and does not account for the thousands of other people who receive assistance through designated gifts to agencies. The General Fund is the most effective way to help members of our 11 communities who need assistance.

"The generosity displayed by donors this year is unsurpassed, and for that to happen when unemployment is hovering around 6 percent is truly remarkable," Zraket continued. "All donors - no matter the size of their contribution - can be proud that they are lending a hand when so many of our neighbors are struggling. We are grateful for their donations. Because many contributions were directed to specific agencies, however, the General Fund did not fare as well as we had hoped."

With the contributions to the General Fund, United Way of Greater Nashua hopes to serve close to 50,000 program participants this year, Zraket said. Volunteer Community Investment committees are meeting now to hear program funding proposals from United Way participating agencies. United Way's board of directors will vote on distribution of General Fund monies in April.

Campaign Co-chair Scott Comstock, president of ControlAir in Amherst, noted that the funds raised have been made possible by the broad support of businesses, community organizations, individual contributors, and volunteers in United Way's 11-town service area. Special thanks went to BAE SYSTEMS, I.E.W.S., whose $1.4 million contribution represents the largest single company campaign in the state of New Hampshire, topping its previous record of $1.2 million last year.

Comstock applauded the efforts of everyone involved and thanked them for their commitment to building a stronger community. He also acknowledged a long list of companies that allowed employees time away from work to volunteer on the campaign.

"Our campaign relies on hundreds of volunteers and the support of their employers, " Comstock said. "The value of their support cannot be overstated because they help keep our fundraising costs low, which allows us to better serve our communities.

"While this is the official end of our 2002 campaign," Comstock continued, "we look ahead to September and the next campaign. We will continue to pursue businesses and individuals in the area that have supported United Way in the past, and we will seek out new supporters as well. In the coming months, we will strive to inform and educate the community about the value of giving to the General Fund."

In addition to the BAE SYSTEMS total, the 2002 campaign breakdown was reported as follows:
· Local businesses have raised $1,045,685
· Government, schools, and agencies have raised $140,713
· Gifts from individuals, professionals, and retirees totaled $213,196

United Way improves people's lives by supporting innovative health and human service programs that have positive, measurable outcomes. United Way of Greater Nashua serves Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Lyndeborough, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, and Wilton.

May 28, 2003
UNITED WAY INVESTS IN 43 PROGRAMS TO HELP IMRPROVE LIVES
More Donations to General Fund Would Help Even More People

(Nashua, NH) -- United Way of Greater Nashua's Board of Directors has approved funding for 43 health and human services programs, as recommended by committees of volunteers who evaluated proposals from United Way participating agencies.

Funding for the programs will come from donations made during the 2002 Campaign to United Way's General Fund. Although donors contributed a record $2.8 million to United Way of Greater Nashua last year, $906,600 went to the General Fund; donors designated the balance to agencies in Greater Nashua and elsewhere. With General Fund donations down nearly 9 percent from the 2001 Campaign and program funding requests topping $1.5 million, Community Investment Committee volunteers had to make some tough decisions. Fourteen program requests went unfunded.

The 57 Community Investment volunteers, who represent 30 area companies, heard presentations by agency staff and volunteers, reviewed program budgets and client outcomes, and evaluated program objectives against the priorities identified in Greater Nashua Measures Up: The 2002 Community Needs Assessment, which United Way released last fall. Collectively, the Community Investment volunteers put in over 1,100 hours of service.

"It's incredibly frustrating to see the need for services increasing and having fewer dollars to apply toward programs that can help people in our community," said Bank of New Hampshire's Deborah Novotny, chair of the Community Investment Committee on Food, Clothing & Shelter. "Program funding requests far exceeded the available amount."

Rev. Jim Chaloner, pastor of the First Church of Nashua and member of United Way of Greater Nashua's Board of Directors, said that United Way's General Fund is the most efficient and effective way to improve the lives of people in Greater Nashua who need assistance. Programs supported by the General Fund must demonstrate positive, measurable results, and the funding process is very competitive, he said.

"The Community Assessment report is a valuable tool in helping United Way volunteers decide where to direct General Fund donations," said Chaloner, who served on the Community Assessment Steering Committee and chaired the Community Investment Committee on Promoting Health and Healing. "For example, the report noted that the region continues to experience tough economic times while grappling with a serious affordable housing issue. As a result, the Priorities Committee of United Way's Board of Directors decided that a greater percentage of available funds should be directed to the 'Food, Clothing & Shelter' area."

The redirection of some General Fund dollars toward Food, Clothing & Shelter meant that committees overseeing funding for other types of services had their available funds reduced.

"Some program requests were hit hard because of the overall reduction in General Fund donations and the reallocation," said Nashua Corporation's Donna DiGiovine, vice chair of the Community Investment Committee reviewing 'Nurturing Children' programs. "We heard many good proposals, yet we had limited funds. In the end, we tried to invest the money in programs where we thought it would do the most good."

With the contributions to the General Fund, United Way of Greater Nashua hopes to serve close to 50,000 program participants this year. A complete list of funded programs will be available in United Way's annual report, which will be published in June and available on www.unitedwaynashua.org.

May 28, 2003
MY COMMUNITY INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE
by Ellin Carroll, Telegraph Publishing Company

(Nashua, NH) -- My first Community Investment volunteer experience was a rewarding one. I have participated in United Way activities in the past, primarily as coordinator of annual campaigns at my place of work. Being able to participate in the process of investing General Fund donations was an eye-opening experience.

Working with other citizens to review agency budgets, operations, and program funding proposals helped me better understand the scope of services provided to thousands of area residents. Hearing agency representatives talk about how their programs help improve people's lives was enlightening. I also enjoyed hearing about what they hoped to do with United Way funding this year. I did find it disappointing not to be able to fill the need of some deserving programs due to a lack of General Fund donations, however.

The good works of the local agencies that favorably impact the social and health needs of our communities will continue. Hopefully, donations to support those efforts will also continue.

June 19, 2003
UNITED WAY HONORS SUPPORTERS, COMMUNITY SERVICE LEADERS

(Nashua, NH) -- At its 73rd Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation tonight, United Way of Greater Nashua paid tribute to several outstanding examples of company and community support during the past year.

Top firms were recognized for their achievements during the 2002-2003 campaign, and three Nashua area residents received the Max I. Silber Community Service Award for their significant contributions to the enrichment Greater Nashua. More than 200 people attended the event, which was held at the Marriott Hotel in Nashua.

The "Heavy Hitter Award" was presented to companies that raised at least 1 percent of United Way's campaign total. Award recipients were (in alphabetical order): Anheuser-Busch, Inc; BAE SYSTEMS and BAE Employee Community Fund, Inc.; Benchmark Electronics - Hudson Division; Citizens Bank; Fleet Bank-NH; Hewlett-Packard; Kollsman, Inc.; Monarch Instrument; Nashua Corporation; Nashua School District; Public Service of New Hampshire; Raytheon; St. Joseph Hospital; Seaboard International Forest Products; Shaw's Supermarkets; Southern New Hampshire Medical Center; and United Parcel Service.

The Max I. Silber Community Service Award is presented to members of the community who exemplify the ideals of community service and volunteerism. This year, three people received the award:

Rodney S. Hansen, Jr. - Rod Hansen has devoted an extraordinary amount of time to improving the Greater Nashua community through his service with United Way. His affiliation with United Way began shortly after he joined Anheuser-Busch's Merrimack brewery as plant manager in 1988. For several years, he oversaw Anheuser-Busch's United Way fundraising campaign, which consistently was (and remains) a top performer.

Hansen has served on United Way's Board of Directors for 10 consecutive years, the maximum allowable under the organization's bylaws. He led the organization as chairman in 2000 and 2001. For seven years, he was Campaign Co-chairman, during which time United Way raised more than $14.5 million locally for health and human service programs. As a community investment volunteer for six years, he also helped decide how many of the funds would be spent on agency programs.

Hansen also has served on the following United Way committees for several years: Executive, Campaign Cabinet, Compensation, and Strategic Planning. In addition, he has supported Special Olympics and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Although now retired from Anheuser-Busch, Hansen remains actively involved in community service.

Danny Ryan - Danny Ryan consistently volunteers at several agencies in Nashua, including Upper Room Compassionate Ministries, Marguerite's Place, CareNet Pregnancy Center, Toll-Street Mission, and Grace Lutheran Church. He notices needs at these organizations and fulfills them to the best of his ability, regardless of time commitment or difficulty.

Some examples of Ryan's volunteer efforts include: supplying generous quantities of new winter gloves and toys for the Upper Room children's Christmas party, visiting the elderly, and performing customized repair work and maintenance that the agencies often cannot complete due to lack of staff or financial resources. Ryan does not seek recognition for his volunteer work; he sees a need, fills that need, and moves to the next project. His humble, quiet leadership is very much admired by those who know him well.

Thomas N. Tessier - Tom Tessier, of the Nashua financial services firm Weisman, Tessier,
Lambert & Halloran, has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to making Greater Nashua a caring community and great place to live. He has made philanthropy his life goal and has lived up to that pledge in several ways.

Tessier has served on United Way's Board of Directors for 10 consecutive years and on its Executive Committee since 1994. He chaired the organization in 1998 and 1999 and was Campaign Co-Chair from 1995 through 1997. He founded United Way of Greater Nashua's deTocqueville Society of Leadership Giving and has served on the Board's Planned Giving Committee for the past five years. Tessier also has served on the following United Way committees for several years during his tenure: Nominating, Personnel, Strategic Planning, and Community Investment.

In addition, Tessier established a Vietnam Veterans' Scholarship Fund at his alma mater, New Hampshire College. He also served for six years on the Board of Trustees for Rivier College, and presently serves on the Board of Southern New Hampshire University. He is past chairman of the Nashua Rotary Club and the St. Joseph Hospital Endowment Committee. His other past affiliations include the YMCA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Hospice House Capital Campaign Committee. He currently serves on the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Board of Directors.

Click here for photo.

At a business meeting prior to dinner, Kenneth R. Ferron of Covenant Health Systems was elected as Chair of the Board; Ralph F. Jenkins, of Ernst & Young, as Treasurer; and Heather E. Hemdal, of the Federal Aviation Administration, as Secretary.

July 1, 2003
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL IS NOW INFO-BANK

(Nashua, NH) -- Information and Referral of Greater Nashua has relocated to Southern New Hampshire Services' outreach office at 134 Allds Street, Nashua, and is now called Info-Bank.

Individuals seeking information about available social services in the Nashua area still can receive anonymous, confidential assistance by calling 603-883-9330.

Info-Bank helps people in need navigate the maze of health and human service programs. Drawing on the area's most comprehensive database of resources, Info-Bank staff members provide information about referrals to the appropriate helping agencies. Future plans include publication of a local social services directory. Funders of Info-Bank of Greater Nashua include United Way of Greater Nashua.

Southern New Hampshire Services also operates Info-Bank of Greater Manchester, which can be accessed by calling 668-8600.

July 7, 2003
UNITED WAY OF GREATER NASHUA NAMES GUERRETTE AS RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

(Nashua, NH) -- Daniel J. Guerrette has joined United Way of Greater Nashua as resource development director. He will be responsible for all aspects of United Way's annual fundraising campaign in 11 area communities. A Nashua native, Guerrette was formerly a human resources executive in local defense and health care facilities. He previously served as a probation officer in the Nashua District Court.

Active in community and church activities, Guerrette has held volunteer leadership positions in the Rotary Club of Nashua West, United Way of Greater Nashua, the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, and the American Legion, as well as other local community and state social service agencies. A Vietnam-era veteran, Guerrette holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from St. Anselm College and graduate degrees in human resources management from Rivier College and counseling psychology from Anna Maria College. He and his wife, Patricia, reside in Litchfield.

United Way improves people's lives by supporting innovative health and human service programs that have positive, measurable outcomes. United Way of Greater Nashua serves Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Lyndeborough, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, and Wilton.

September 3, 2003
UNITED WAY OF GREATER NASHUA NAMES CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS

(Nashua, NH) --Two prominent Greater Nashua business executives are heading up United Way of Greater Nashua's 2003 fundraising campaign. United Way has named John Fischer, general manager of Southeastern Container in Hudson, and Edward Zraket, vice president of operations at BAE SYSTEMS in Nashua, as Co-Chairs of the 2003 Campaign Cabinet. The Campaign will kick off with United Way's Day of Caring - a community-wide service day - on September 11. This is Fischer's first year as Campaign Co-Chair and second year as a member of the Campaign Cabinet. He is retired as a Major from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, where he was honored with the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his work with Toys for Tots. He also is a recipient of the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal. A former president of the Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce, Fischer received the Chamber's Member of the Year Award in 2000. He is a long-time supporter of United Way and has served in several Days of Caring. He resides in Londonderry with his wife, Florence, and their two sons. This year is Zraket's third as Campaign Co-Chair and fourth as a Campaign Cabinet member. He also serves as Vice Chair of United Way's Board of Directors. He is a member of the American Lebanese Awareness Association and has volunteered at St. Anthony's Parish in Lawrence, MA. The father of three grown children, Zraket lives in Methuen, MA, with his wife, Barbara.

September 8, 2003
UNITED WAY OF GREATER NASHUA'S DAY OF CARING TO KICK OFF 2003 CAMPAIGN

September 11, 2003
UNITED WAY'S 2003 CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH ITS GENERAL FUND

(Nashua, NH) -- In kicking off its 2003 fund-raising campaign today, United Way of Greater Nashua announced a goal of improving the lives of 54,000 participants of programs supported by its General Fund.

This is the second year that United Way has broken with tradition and announced a people-oriented goal instead of one focused on dollars. The shift in emphasis is consistent with United Way's new mission and seeks to increase contributions to the General Fund, according to Campaign Co-Chair Edward Zraket, vice president of operations for BAE SYSTEMS in Nashua.

"United Way strives to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities, and the best way to accomplish this is through the General Fund, which supports a network of services that address community needs specific to Greater Nashua," Zraket said.

"Volunteers who live or work in our communities study the needs defined in United Way's Community Assessment Report, evaluate the programs seeking funding, and recommend how to invest General Fund contributions in programs that produce measurable results," added Campaign Co-Chair John Fischer, general manager of Southeastern Container in Hudson.

During the past year, United Way's General Fund helped more than 40 health, human service, and community educational programs deliver services to close to 50,000 participants, many of whom benefited from more than one service. And although United Way of Greater Nashua raised more dollars in its 2002 Campaign than in any previous year, contributions to the General Fund were off. Consequently, some programs that sought General Fund support received less than requested, and some did not receive funding at all.

"We want donors to know that the best way to do the most good with a single contribution is to give to the General Fund," Zraket said. "Of course, we will continue to honor requests to designate gifts to specific agencies, but we hope that donors will see that their dollar goes a lot farther when they contribute to the General Fund."

Fischer noted that people who need help often require more than one type of service. For example, a family of three that needs transitional housing also may need subsidized childcare, counseling services, and reduced-cost health and dental care. United Way's General Fund supports all of these programs and many more that help improve thousands of people's lives in its 11-community service area.

A successful United Way campaign will improve the lives of thousands of people in Greater Nashua in many ways. For example:

• Meeting more basic needs - such as food, clothing, and shelter - for individuals and families in crisis
• Helping children learn and nurturing their emotional, social, and physical development
• Delivering more services that increase access to affordable health and dental care for individuals of all ages
• Providing violence prevention and personal safety programs

Once again this year, United Way will display large signs in prominent locations with the people-oriented message: Help Improve Lives in Our Communities. Support United Way.

For information about supporting United Way of Greater Nashua, call 603-882-4011, or visit www.unitedwaynashua.org.

December 12, 2003
UNITED WAY DONATES TOYS TO AREA AGENCIES

(Nashua, NH December 12, 2003) -- United Way of Greater Nashua is making the holidays brighter for many needy children and families in the area by donating toys and clothing. United Way collects new and gently used toys and clothing from area retailers throughout the year, then redistributes them during the holidays to agencies that serve needy families. To view photos of toy presentations, click here.