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United Way > News > United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut calls for a Battle of the Badges!

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut calls for a Battle of the Badges!

Manchester, Conn. (June 17, 2023) — United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut hosted a one-day basketball tournament fundraiser where eight teams competed and the Hartford Public Schools team claiming the 2023 Championship Title.    

Connecticut State Police, Hartford and West Hartford Police Departments, Hartford Teachers, Aetna, Department of Corrections, Hartford Fire Department and the University of Hartford Public Safety joined the United Way Battle of the Badges Basketball tournament to raise funds in support of United Way’s mission to bring people and resources together committed to the well-being of children and families.  

“I am so grateful to witness this effort. The State and Municipal Police Departments and many others have championed this tournament for several years now. They have been consistent in their support recognizing the value of United Way’s work and its impact in our community,” said Eric Harrison, president and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.   

In addition to the tournament, attendees enjoyed a day of music, arts and crafts, prize drawings and food.  

Mayor Jay Moran from the Town of Manchester added, “Our town is thrilled to host this year’s Battle of the Badges tournament. We have been a partner of United Way for many years, and our children have benefited from their literacy programs; our heads of households have utilized Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for free tax preparation and filing; and, our residents trust that they can turn to United Way 211 for free information and referral services. Funds raised for United Way directly support Manchester residents and I am proud that our community can support this charitable event.” 

“These events are so important to us because it allows us to connect with fellow police and fire departments as well as the community; and, at the same time, we come together to raise funds for a worthy cause,” expressed Trooper Evan Goddard from the Connecticut State Police. 

 

About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut   

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s vision is a community where opportunities are available for every child to succeed in school and for every family to achieve financial security. United Way brings people and resources together to address immediate needs and finds long-term solutions to challenging problems. United Way does this by investing in programs and services, leading community change initiatives, and mobilizing resources and volunteers to ensure that: children succeed in school; people get jobs and are financially secure; people are healthy; and, basic needs are met during tough times. For more information, visit unitedwayinc.org.    

Media Contact: Anyeline Céspedes López | United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut | acespedes@unitedwayinc.org | 787.502.0436 

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