Greenwich United Way Reading Champions Recognize Volunteers

GREENWICH, CT - From Greenwich United Way: On Sunday, April 29, and Monday, April 30, The Chamber Players of the Greenwich Symphony invited the Greenwich United Way to honor its Reading Champions’ Volunteers and celebrate the program’s 10th Anniversary. The event was a season finale concert entitled ‘Transcendent Song’. "Greenwich United Way Tutors, Board members, and Staff enjoyed a truly spectacular performance," said Champions Program Coordinator, Cecile Meunier. She continued, "It was an honor to partner with this special event to mark the occasion and the program’s widespread commitment to enhancing reading fluency. Over 400 public elementary school students benefit each year with the help of over 100 volunteers." The concert program featured a selection of classical Chamber music at Round Hill Community Church on Sunday, where Christine Boies, President of the Chamber Players, welcomed the Greenwich United Way and recognized the Reading Champion Program.

Dan Haugh, Associate Pastor of Round Hill Community Church, then gave his firsthand experience of volunteering within the program. "It is a pleasure being a Reading Champions volunteer tutor, the impact that this program provides volunteers is so rewarding. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the students I tutor," said Haugh. During his volunteer testimony, he mentioned that since the program’s inception 10 years ago, Reading Champions has benefited over 4,000 children in the Greenwich Elementary School system. Haugh then concluded by encouraging attendees to learn more about the program by contacting the Greenwich United Way.

Following the Sunday concert, there was a reception during which Christine Boies introduced David Rabin, CEO of the Greenwich United Way. Rabin offered a toast to the Reading Champions Volunteers and elaborated on the success of the reading fluency program. He explained more about the personal connection fostered by the one-on-one relationship that the volunteer and student develop working together. He also talked about the impact that the program has far beyond the time they spend. Rabin, citing several stories about how students come to regard their tutors as mentors in their academic progress, said "I'm often touched by the happy moment's students experience when they see their tutor out in the community. This is one more person in their life that is making a difference - and maybe the only one. I'm so satisfied with the volunteer retention we have within this program. Tutors stay active for years and recruit their family, friends, and colleagues. With that said, we do need more volunteers so we can bring more students into this program," said Rabin.

To learn more about Reading Champions please visit the Greenwich United Way website (greenwichunitedway.org) or email Program Coordinator, Cecile Meunier (cmeunier@greenwichunitedway.org).

Photo courtesy of Greenwich United Way