The Bristol Press

Thursday, March 28, 2013

BRISTOL — The United Way of West Central Connecticut, serving the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth and Terryville, will hold its 11th Annual Community Builders’ Reception April 11 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville.

The event honors those who share their time and resources with the United Way to advance the common good by creating lasting changes to improve lives in those communities.

The theme of this year’s event is “Change. Not Charity: The Power of Philanthropy Through the Generations.”

The evening will spotlight some of the people and organizations in the communities who demonstrate the power of philanthropy. The evening will also feature guest speaker Jay Harris, ESPN SportsCenter anchor, to discuss how he makes philanthropy a priority in his life and with his family.

Harris joined ESPN in 2003 as an ESPNEWS and SportsCenter anchor. In 2006 he was named anchor of the 6 p.m. edition of SportsCenter, ESPN’s flagship sports news and information program. He came to ESPN from WPGH-TV in Pittsburgh, where he was a news anchor/reporter.

Harris has more than 20 years experience in television and radio news. His work outside of sports included the trapped coal miners near Pittsburgh, and, while in Virginia, the fatal USS Iowa battleship explosion.

A native of Norfolk, Va., Harris graduated from Old Dominion University with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication in 1987. In 2003 he was honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award from the university. In 2004 he was the keynote speaker for Old Dominion’s 100th commencement ceremony.

Harris was part of SportsCenter’s Sports Emmy-winning efforts in 2004 and 2005, and a recipient of the Silver World Medal from the New York Festival Awards, Robert L. Vann Award from the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation and an EXCEL Award from the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals.

Harris lives locally and is married with two children.

United Way will also honor those who Live United by giving, advocating and volunteering. Those being honored include Award for Excellence — Plainville Community Schools and Tracy-Driscoll Insurance and Financial Services; Special Initiative Award — Bristol and Plymouth Early Childhood Initiatives; Lou Bachman Award — Elizabeth Nadeau from Associated Spring-Barnes Group Inc.; and Spirit of Caring Award — John-David Scarritt.

Tickets are available for $50 per person. For information, call the United Way at (860) 582-9559.