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Former Rock Cats President and CEO Named New Chairman of United Way

April 29, 2013 - Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


He may not be the lead batter at the New Britain Rock Cats anymore, but Bill Dowling - former team president and CEO - continues to hit it out of the park for the New Britain and Berlin area. Dowling recently accepted the role as chairman of the board for United Way of New Britain and Berlin. With one year left as a consultant to the new owners of the Rock Cats, New Britain Double Play, LLC, Bill decided now was the perfect time to deepen his community efforts.

"My passion for United Way originated when I was a child in Holyoke, MA and my mother worked at a United Way-supported nursery. And years later, I am pleased to be part of the leadership group of United Way of New Britain and Berlin. In my time at the Rock Cats and as a member of the regional advisory board, I can attest to the significant support United Way provides for the children and families in the communities it serves," says Dowling. "I am honored to be a part of that tradition of caring, which exemplifies United Way, as, together, we improve lives."

Bill is well known for his involvement in the community. As the executive vice president/general counsel for the New York Yankees, he and principal owner George M. Steinbrenner were the directors of the Yankees Foundation, which annually donated sporting goods and provided financial support to families in need throughout the metropolitan New York area. These trends continued, under Bill's guidance, at the Rock Cats. Amongst various community honors, in 2003, the team won the Bob Freitas Award as the best Double-A operation in minor league baseball and three years later, Bill was named "Man of the Year" by Klingberg Family Centers, located in New Britain.

For years, the Rock Cats have been very involved with local organizations; Community Mental Health Affiliates, in which Bill was the keynote speaker at their annual meeting last year, and The Hospital for Special Care, where he was the co-chairman of a fundraising board that raised $6 million to fund a new outpatient wing for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ALS, MS and autism-related illnesses, just to name a few. At home games, the team is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for various causes, such as the recent "Pink in the Park" event to benefit breast cancer research. Year-round, the Rock Cats Foundation hosts the annual Thanksgiving deliveries, when "Rocky" donates a turkey and all of the fixings to ten deserving New Britain families, and the "adopt-a-family" holiday giving program. The "Games, Gloves, Gear" drive, held at WinterFest in December, benefits United Way partners - Prudence Crandall Center, Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. Bill's legacy continues as he steps back up to home plate to take on a new community role.

"Whenever there's a need you can always count on Bill's support. United Way and the New Britain and Berlin community are blessed to have him as an advocate and as a leader. His knowledge, energy and enthusiasm are boundless," stated Jim Gordon, Director of Public Relations & Marketing for The Salvation Army in Southern New England. By bringing together people like Dowling, with the passion, expertise and resources to create positive change, United Way contributes to a better life for all. That's what it means to LIVE UNITED.United Way of New Britain and Berlin is a part of the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, which covers a 40-town region. Its mission is to improve lives and change community conditions by focusing on the building blocks for a good life - quality education and family financial independence. United Way delivers long-lasting results through Community Investment.

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