FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Donna L. Pfrommer,
EVP, Brand Management &
Volunteer Engagement,
203-339-6312
dpfrommer@unitedwaycfc.org
2013 LIVE UNITED Celebration Honors Community and
Business Partners
Robert Francis Receives the Madison Sayles Award for Excellence in Furthering
United Way’s HEALTH Award
June 5, 2013 – United Way of Coastal Fairfield County’s 2013 LIVE UNITED Celebration took
place at Fairfield University June 4th. At the breakfast event, seventeen awards were presented
to area community leaders and business partners. United Way honored Robert Francis for
Excellence in Furthering United Way’s HEALTH work.
One of the hallmarks of true leadership is consistency over time. Consistency of focus and
message. Consistency of passion. True leaders stand the test of time, ever willing and able to
adapt to changing conditions while staying true to vision and principles. In our community – and
in our state – we are fortunate to have such a leader in Robert M. Francis.
For over 35 years, Bob has provided leadership on behalf of children and families in intersecting
circles and networks, always with a warmth and deep thoughtfulness that has resulted in better
lives for children and their families. Stratford Community Services, United Way of Eastern
Fairfield County, CT Department of Children and Families, and, of course, RYASAP (Regional
Youth Adult Social Action Partnership) have all benefitted from Bob’s executive leadership – to
say nothing of the children and families served by those organizations.
Bob’s message has always been the same: if you want to help young people grow into mature
and socially responsible adults, focus on helping them develop their assets. Superintendents,
commissioners, faith-based leaders, legislators, chief elected officials, community advocates –
and even governors – have all heard and benefitted from that message from him. Ever a
visionary who consistently dreams what can be, Bob is co-founder of Connecticut Public Allies,
Bridgeport Safe Neighborhoods AmeriCorps Partnership, The Connecticut Assets Network, and
the Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance. He is active in more than 22 state and national boards
and commissions – including currently the CT Commission on Children and the CT Youth
Homelessness Commission and formerly the Community Anti-Drugs Coalitions of America and
the National Youth Work Alliance both in Washington, DC. Bob holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree
in Urban Studies and an Associate Degree in Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. A
resident of Madison, Bob is married to Holly and has three children and four grandchildren – all
of whom are his real passion and focus.
Chief Joseph Gaudett presented the award to Francis. He has been the Chief of the Bridgeport
Police Department since 2010 and a member of the department for over 30 years. Chief
Gaudett comes from a family in which service to the community through policing has been a
cherished value – following in the steps of his father and grandfather.
Chief Gaudett is dedicated to helping Bridgeport youth overcome the disadvantages of their
environment, and enthusiastically supports programs, like RYASAP, that provide opportunities
to enable city youth to look forward to a secure and productive future. His leadership is a critical
component of the success of efforts to help teens stay in school and avoid involvement with the
juvenile justice system.
United Way of Coastal Fairfield County’s mission is: “Together, we mobilize our communities to
improve people’s lives.” Our vision is that all children in need in Coastal Fairfield County are
successful in school and prepared for success in life. United Way of Coastal Fairfield County
serves the towns of Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Westport, Trumbull, Easton, Monroe,
Weston, Norwalk, Wilton, New Canaan and Darien. Find out more at our website,
www.unitedwaycfc.org.
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