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4 | COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT 2023 | UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL AND NORTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT 2023 United Way Community Service Award Full Circle Philanthropy IMPACT ON COMMUNITY M aya Angelou once said, "If you can't change it, change your attitude." This is the personal mission statement of this year's United Way Community Service Award honorees. U nited Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is pleased to honor Greg and Mary-Jo Toczydlowski with its 2023 Community Service Award. The award is the most significant way United Way recognizes its volunteers. The Community Service Award is presented annually in memory of community leader and former United Way Board of Directors member Dr. Frederick G. Adams, who was committed to supporting children and families in our community. This year's award will be formally presented to the Toczydlowskis in early 2024. "With their compassion for our community and ongoing dedication to the United Way, we're delighted to honor the Toczydlowskis with this award," says Eric Harrison, President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. "We value their commitment to our organization—Greg and Mary-Jo have been members of United Way's Tocqueville Society since 2009 and have contributed more than $154,000 to our Community Campaign since 2007," adds Eric. Community Impact Greg Toczydlowski is Executive Vice President and President of Business Insurance at Travelers. From 2008 to 2019, he served on United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut's Board of Directors. He was Board Chair in 2015 and 2016, and in that time helped United Way develop and implement its next strategic plan with an emphasis on helping our community plan for successful futures for generations to come. Greg advocates for United Way at Travelers during its annual employee giving campaign and annually supports Power of the Purse by purchasing a table and inviting women from Travelers to join Mary-Jo and him. "United Way brings together people and resources committed to advancing the well-being of children and families in our community," explains Greg. "Through my involvement, I've seen firsthand just how much of an impact the organization has in our own backyard. It's helped me be a better leader by truly understanding the needs of our community, down to the individual level." Community involvement is a way of life for Greg, who describes it as three areas of focus in the community in which you live and work: 1. Having a deep understanding of the true needs. 2. Being committed to making a positive impact. 3. Finding ways to inspire others to join you in making a positive impact. Greg's involvement with community organizations is extensive—and highly valued. He currently serves as Vice Chair of Hartford HealthCare's Board of Directors. Previously, he served as Vice Chair of Springfield College Trustees. In 2021, Girl Scouts of Connecticut Inc. honored Greg during the Legacy of Leadership "Man Enough to be a Girl Scout" event, which celebrates men who advance the interests of women and girls in Connecticut. That same year, Greg was named Honorary Chair of the Urban League of Greater Hartford 2021 Equal Opportunity Day Celebration. David Hopkins, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Hartford, described Greg as "a dynamic corporate leader and a champion of the mission and work of the Urban League." Paying It Forward Greg shares that his upbringing had a tremendous impact on how and why community involvement is so personally important. "I grew up in a single-parent household, where my mother was a teacher raising three children. We received some social benefits that enabled me to stay focused on my schoolwork without worrying about a needed meal," he explains. "Being a beneficiary of that community generosity is why I feel passionate about paying it forward by giving back." Philanthropic Giving The Toczydlowskis' most significant contribution to the community has been establishing a family foundation and managing their philanthropic farm. "It's what we're most proud of and feel has the most impact," says Greg and Mary-Jo. Greg and Mary-Jo describe themselves as "philanthropic farmers." They purchased a farm with the intent to take care of animals and grow quality food. "Like most things in life, it has taken on new meaning, purpose and impact," Greg admits.