When Robert Proto, president of the Federation of University Employees, Local 35 at Yale University, was asked to return as chairman of the Easter Seals Goodwill Industries Celebrate Campaign this year, he didn't hesitate to say "Yes."

"When I was asked to continue doing this work, it seemed natural. It was an easy answer to say 'Yes,'" says Robert, a longtime North Haven resident.

"What we do, what we are all about, is jobs," Robert adds. "Good jobs with good benefits-and good pay.

"Unemployment is a struggle, and for people with disabilities," Robert says, "finding work can be particularly overwhelming. The Celebrate Campaign is Goodwill's largest annual fundraising campaign. The funds raised support the mission of Easter Seals Goodwill Industries: to enhance employment, educational, social, and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and other challenges.

Last year, the campaign goal was to raise $85,000 and the agency raised more than $100,000. In 2013, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries hopes to raise $125,000, to provide programs and assistance to even more individuals who need help.

To help Easter Seals Goodwill Industries Celebrate Campaign, Robert has secured three digital billboards promoting the agency for the duration of the campaign. These billboards can be seen on or around the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge on the north and southbound sides.

"I believe in the power of work," says Robert. "As a union we support the same mission that started Goodwill years ago: 'Not a charity, but a chance.' For over 40 years, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries has focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities and other challenges by helping them to obtain and maintain employment.

"Supporting individuals is a central theme in my life, and I am proud to support this wonderful organization and its program participants," Robert says.

Robert began his employment at Yale as a steam fitter, overseeing the heating and cooling of the university. He has currently worked for almost 20 years as the president of the Federation of University Employees.

Michelle Riley, development director for Goodwill, says having Robert return this year as chairman of the fundraising campaign was "a no-brainer.

"Bobby is a great guy, with a very good reputation in the community," she says. "He is all about community and the celebration of the power of work. It is great for us to have him as chairman of this vital program."

Riley continues: "For 15 years, Bobby has been intimately involved in our mission-routing supporters and vendors our way."

The development director says the campaign "has been going quite well," though she acknowledges that fundraising in these tough economic times is a challenge. "That's why it's important to have someone like Bobby Proto in charge."

Riley says, "The 2013's Celebrate Campaign's purpose is to raise money to expand its many programs to help people with disabilities and other challenges. From job placements and retention services to after-school programs for underprivileged children in New Haven, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries strives to provide individuals with the tools they need to improve their quality of life."

To find out more about the Celebrate Campaign or to make a donation, contact Riley at 203-777-2000, ext. 262 or mriley@esinh.org.

To nominate someone as person of the week, send an email with a brief description to

b.boyd@shorepublishing.com.