Valley United Way's Board Chairman, Mike Marcinek, was presented with the Distinguished Leader of the Year Award by the Valley Philanthropy Council on November 14, 2010 at the opening reception for the Art of Giving art show at the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce in Shelton. .

The mission of the Valley Philanthropy Council is to foster the local culture of philanthropy in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding areas. This award is presented to an individual who, by giving of time and resources, inspires successful fundraising efforts in the Lower Naugatuck Valley. Mike was recognized for the great work that he does each and every day with so many of the Valley’s non-profit organizations. In making the award, the Council said that Mike's work, "..certainly makes you an inspiration to the Valley community and an ideal recipient of this special award".

The award presentation will take place at the VPC & Valley Arts Council’s Art of Giving Art Show and Reception on Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Commenting on the Award, United Way President Jack Walsh said, "Mike is one of those rare individuals who earns respect as a leader in his industry, but also a leader in the community. The effort that he puts into working to ensure the quality of life in the community is an example for everyone to follow. We have been very fortunate to have had his leadership at every level of United Way".

Valley United Way re-elected Michael Marcinek, Chief Financial Officer of Fletcher Thompson as chair of the Board of Directors for a second term at the 42nd annual meeting and awards dinner on April 27, 2010. Marcinek previously held the position of community fund raising campaign chair for a longer duration than anyone in the Valley United Way’s history in addition to serving as a chair on the finance committee.

A native of Seymour, Marcinek has a keen understanding of the importance of giving back to the community and has spent hundreds of hours volunteering his time. He is a board member for Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut County, The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, The Shelton Economic Development Corporation, The Parent Child Resource Center and The Dan Orlovsky Foundation among his many other community activities. He was previously recognized with the 2007 Gold Seal Award presented by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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