Hartford, Conn. (May 20, 2024) –?United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and FOX61 invite the public to recognize those who make a significant contribution to health care, housing, financial empowerment and education in Connecticut through the ImpaCT Awards. Nominations will be open through June 21, 2024, and finalists will be announced this summer.?? 

To nominate an individual, group or organization, visit?CTImpactAwards.org?and click “Submit Your Nominee.” Nominees must be over the age of 18 and can only be submitted into one of the following categories:?? 

• Unsung Hero Award:?A person giving their all to their community in quiet and often thankless ways. This person is the “Unofficial Mayor” of their neighborhood or town, completing acts of kindness for everyone they meet without looking for anything in return. This person may just be starting their philanthropic journey or may have been helping for decades.? 
• Impactful Woman Award:?A female leader whose mission is to help and empower those within her community. She is a leader and an inspiration, creating opportunities for others and ensuring she is making Connecticut a better place. A true mentor to other women, this person has dynamic energy and drive to do great things in her community.? 
• Impactful Emerging Leader Award:?An up-and-coming changemaker in Connecticut, this young person – specifically, under the age of 30 as of October 1, 2024 – is on the fast track to leadership. Despite their age, they have a proven record of giving back and have set themselves up for a future of serving Connecticut.? 
• Impactful Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award:?This award is given to an individual or a company that has a demonstrated track record of helping or working with minority communities here in Connecticut. They have made a measurable impact in underrepresented communities and have dedicated their lives, or a better part of their business, helping to create a spot at the table for everyone.? 
• Community Organization Making an ImpaCT:?A community group that has taken on the task of bettering their surroundings and helping others. This grassroots organization uses their resources – gifts of time, talent and treasure – to create change. This charitable organization goes above and beyond the call of duty.  
• Small Business Making an ImpaCT: A small business that has made giving back to Connecticut a part of their culture. This organization is doing business in an innovative way to create a better Connecticut. This award will be given to a small/medium-sized company with fewer than 100 employees.  
• Company Making an ImpaCT:?A company that has made giving back to Connecticut a part of their culture. This organization is well-rounded in investing funds and time to creating a better Connecticut. Volunteering and philanthropy are part of their culture from the top down, creating a place to work that allows employees a chance to do good along the way. This award will be given to a large company with more than 100 employees. 
• Impactful Educator Award: An impactful educator – a teacher, professor, coach or tutor who has dedicated themselves to molding young minds. More than teaching, this person serves as a mentor to their students, helping guide them through life. This person can be retired or work in a variety of educational settings inclusive of preschool, K-12, college/university and other learning spaces.

“The ImpaCT Awards provide a unique opportunity to celebrate a collective commitment to strengthening communities. United Way is eager to continue our partnership with FOX61 to shine a light on those who make our state a better place,” shared Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “2024 marks our United Way’s 100th year of service to our community, making this year’s awards particularly meaningful as we intentionally focus on transformational change that creates a brighter, more equitable future for all.”?? 

United Way and FOX61 will also recognize a leader in our community with the George Bahamonde Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize an individual who has dedicated their life to service with the goal of making futures brighter for generations to come. The award is named in honor of the late George Bahamonde, who served as the President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut for 12 years and was passionate about educational outcomes and opportunities for local children.? 

“We are thrilled to recognize individuals, companies and organizations that are giving back to their community in incredible ways,” said Liz Barry Salvatore, Community Marketing Manager, FOX61. “As Connecticut’s News Station, we believe in serving the state not only through the important information we provide, but our work throughout the community. The ImpaCT Awards are all about bringing people together in a meaningful way, just as it has brought FOX61 and United Way together.” 

The 2nd Annual ImpaCT Awards Ceremony will take place October 25, 2024, at the Hartford Marriott Downtown. Additionally, the ImpaCT Awards Ceremony will be broadcasted on FOX61 and will be streamed on FOX61+ in a special one-hour broadcast and available on FOX61+ to re-watch. Sponsorship opportunities are available at?CTImpactAwards.org?and are eligible for charitable tax deductions. Funds raised benefit United Way-supported initiatives that close gaps and create opportunities to end poverty in all its forms.???