Aetna and United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut Team Up For Exciting Collaboration

Hartford, Conn. (July 2, 2018) — United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with Aetna and the Hartford Yard Goats to keep kids healthy and on track this summer.

For every walk earned by the Hartford Yard Goats at home, Aetna will donate $15 to United Way Summer Smarts – an initiative that provides summer reading and nutrition programs to children.

“Aetna is excited to work with the Hartford Yard Goats and United Way to promote fun, educational activities for kids in Hartford during the summer,” said Brenda Pabon, Program Officer, Community Activation & Local Marketing, Aetna. “We believe that providing access to summer reading and nutrition programs will help build a healthier Hartford community.”

“Aetna is a true corporate citizen,” said Paula S. Gilberto, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “Together, we’ll build healthy minds and bodies this summer.”

The initiative officially kicked off on June 2, 2018 with a ceremony before the Hartford Yard Goats game recognizing the collaboration and the many Aetna volunteers who help children stay on track academically year-round through their support of United Way Readers and other programs.

With the support of individual donors and workplace partners like Aetna, United Way is investing more than $600,000 in summer learning programs through partnerships with nonprofit organizations and schools.

Last summer, more than 1,300 children participated in summer programs and 1,600 received nutritious meals. This year, United Way’s goal is to double the number of children served.

For more information, visit unitedwayinc.org/summersmarts.

About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut serves its 40-town region by mobilizing people and organizations to give, advocate and volunteer to promote early childhood education, ensure families are financially secure, provide access to health-related services and supports, and immediate emergency assistance, such as food and shelter. For more information, visit unitedwayinc.org.

Media Contact: Elyssa M. Millspaugh | United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut | emillspaugh@unitedwayinc.org | 860.493.1119