Volunteer

Overview

Everyone that comes to us has a unique story. With your help and support, our Easterseals affiliate continues to meet those individual needs. Accomplishing all of this, takes a dedicated staff partnered with committed volunteers. Those volunteers give of their time, talent, and treasure and can serve on committees, our board of directors, as well as on projects. We are grateful for their time and dedication to our mission. 

Do you want to help some of the most vulnerable in our community? Join our Easterseals family and become a volunteer! Call us at 860-270-0600 for more information.

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Ann

Ann Gutkowski is one of a kind! She has been volunteering with our Easterseals for many years, starting with us when she worked for Pratt & Whitney; Ann has a special place in her heart for Veterans/military families and is an ongoing supporter of our Easterseals Veterans Rally Point. 

After nearly 50 years at Pratt/UTC/RTX, she still serves as an active member on our Crystal Ball Committee, and always volunteers for our organizations’ many events and initiatives including our annual golf tournament where you can find her rain or shine helping out on the course and in the clubhouse! From donating bottles of wine and amazing auction items to buying tables for Veterans at the Crystal Ball to brainstorming new ideas to keep our events fresh, Ann is always a valuable contributor. She has even carted auction items and event signage around in her pickup truck! 

Thank you, Ann. Our Easterseals’ success is fueled by individuals like you!

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Dave

Dave Pannuto is true team player! His connection to Easterseals goes all the way back to 1984, when he was a high schooler in Duxbury, MA. He joined a group of friends who organized a charity softball game benefiting Easterseals. That one game turned into a beloved summer tradition with Dave and his team running 24-hour softball marathons from 1986 to 2004 all to support Easterseals.

Dave never forgot the sense of purpose and camaraderie those games brought. Fast forward to 2019—now living in Connecticut—Dave reached out to us with a big idea: bring back the softball marathon, this time with him as the lead organizer and Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut as the beneficiary. 

He did just that, leading events in 2019 and 2021 and raising nearly $17,000 in just two years! After a brief break due to the pandemic, Dave returned in 2024 with even more energy—organizing a day of softball that went on through thunderstorms and raised another $5,000. That’s over $22,000 raised in a short amount of time to support Easterseals Veterans’ and disability programs!

Thank you, Dave. Our Easterseals is better because of committed, kindhearted, and passionate people like you.

If you would like to become a third-party fundraiser, like Dave, please reach out to Wendy Archer, Chief Marketing & Philanthropy Officer at warcher@escrec.org or at 860-270-0600.

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Gia

Gia Oei is a force of nature and one of our most dedicated Easterseals volunteers! For nearly 10 years, Gia has been a passionate supporter and longtime member of our Easterseals Crystal Ball Committee. She’s now finished her 9th year as the Co-Chair of this signature event and largest fundraiser.

Gia is fiercely committed to our mission, especially our services for Veterans — a cause close to her heart as her husband Brian is an Army Veteran. Brian is a supporter, too, helping with deliveries and even weighing in on gala meal selections! Together, they’ve hosted many committee meetings at their home and are always eager to lend a hand. As the lead for our one-of-a-kind silent auction (which raises nearly $40,000 annually!), Gia is known for going above and beyond — securing items from restaurants she and Brian visit, and helping us keep things creative and fresh year after year.

Even during job transitions, and cross-country business travel, Gia has never let up on her commitment to our cause. She recently brought on her new company, Cornerstone Building Brands, as a $15,000 generous Diamond Sponsor for our 2025 Crystal Ball — an incredible show of support. 

Thank you, Gia. Our Easterseals’ success is powered by dedicated friends of Easterseals like you!

If you would like to become a volunteer, like Gia, please reach out to Wendy Archer, Chief Marketing & Philanthropy Officer at warcher@escrec.org or at 860-270-0600.