Jill Dagilis, WCAC Executive Director; Priscilla Holmes, Deputy Director; Steve Joseph, UNUM, Deb Penta, PENTA, Jennifer Roy, UNUM, and Chris Collins, UNUM (absent Cary Olson-Cartwright, UNUM).

WCAC recently celebrated National Philanthropy Day by honoring PENTA Communications of Westborough and UNUM in Worcester. Hosted by the Central Mass Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Deborah Penta, along with Chris Collins, Steve Joseph, and Jennifer Roy of UNUM were presented with 2009 AFP awards.

Deborah Penta, Founder and CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc., joined WCAC’s Board of Directors in 2007 because she was so compelled by the agency’s work to help 71,000+ income-limited people in 37 communities through 20 programs annually. Deborah constantly “pays it forward” through her work and volunteerism and her vision and generosity are boundless. Her firm revamped and maintains WCAC’s website, complete the annual report design/layout, design our Action Heroes booklets/invitations, and much more—all gratis! Personally, she and her family purchase, wrap, and anonymously donate 30+ winter coats for GED students’ children! Deb, now Board Chairwoman, is very engaged—officiating our special events, attending board trainings, and dedicating an incredible amount of time and resources to WCAC. Deborah is an incredible leader, mentor, and positive energy force! We are so fortunate to have her as an amazing ambassador for WCAC.

Cary Olson-Cartwright, UNUM’s Director of Corporate Responsibility, contacted WCAC in February to learn about the agency and explain UNUM’s community partnership commitment and its philanthropy plan. UNUM believes in “giving back” and engages its employees in activities that support this strategy. Keenly interested in WCAC’s youth programs, Cary stepped up for our GED students when she and Chris Collins, senior V.P./General Counsel, began by donating lunches and meeting the students in small groups; later engaged UNUM employees in monthly mentor meetings to discuss career paths; and then provided the inaugural WCAC GED graduation at Tuckerman Hall! Our staff, the students and their families were thrilled to be treated to an elegant, catered celebration for their grand achievements. As lead sponsor for WCAC’s Third Annual Action Hero event in May, UNUM also generously provided lodging and transportation for Dr. Melinda Boone–our keynote speaker. UNUM, Cary, and Chris are WCAC’s caring corporate champions!