HARTFORD, Conn. (April 24, 2008) – In celebration of Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day, UnitedHealth Group employees and their children organized an art project called “Wings of Hope” to benefit the Hartford-based Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. 

More than 125 children of UnitedHealth Group employees gathered at the company’s Hartford office to paint and decorate wooden butterflies that will soon be hung on the walls in one of the in-patient floors at Connecticut Children’s.  The program is part of the company’s and its 2,700 Hartford-area employees’ commitment to serve the local community and to make a positive difference in health care for the people of Connecticut.

“We were touched by this thoughtful gesture from UnitedHealth Group employees and their children,” said Ann Kollegger, arts program coordinator at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.  “The artwork created by kids contributes to the comforting atmosphere here at Connecticut Children’s.  The ‘Wings of Hope’ will be a beautiful addition to our Art in the Environment program and the sixth floor.”

In addition to decorating the butterflies, children had an opportunity to learn more about Connecticut Children’s, the patient experience and how their support and participation will make a big difference to other children in need.

“UnitedHealth Group is proud to support the Children’s Medical Center, and our employees’ children are as excited to be able to help other local kids,” said Mike Matteo, CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s national accounts business, which is based in Hartford.  “By including a service-oriented activity in our program for Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day, our children will learn early on that helping others and giving back to the community is both important and rewarding.”

Following the art project, additional activities held as part of Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day included “Conversation Café,” a fun way for the kids to learn about different jobs at UnitedHealth Group, and a performance by the Hartford Children’s Theater.  Children also had the opportunity to shadow their parents in their jobs and see firsthand what a typical day at the office looks like for mom and dad.

Photo Opportunity:
Local media are invited to attend the children’s “Wings of Hope” art project.  Representatives from Connecticut Children’s and UnitedHealth Group will also be available.  Please RSVP in advance with Daryl Richard, vice president of communications, at (860) 702-5795.

Date – Thursday, April 24
Time – 9 to 10 a.m.
Location – 450 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, Conn., 06103

About “Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day”
Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work encourages girls and boys across the country to dream without gender limitations and to think imaginatively about their family, work and community lives. This national, public education program connects what children learn at school with the actual working world. Children learn that a family-friendly work environment is an employer and family issue and not just a woman's issue. Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work helps girls and boys across the nation discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life.

About Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
Connecticut Children’s Medical Center is a nationally recognized leader in pediatric care and the only free-standing hospital in the state devoted exclusively to the care of children. Connecticut Children’s offers a full range of services for children from birth through age 18 and brings quality care to children statewide through 10 affiliated community hospitals and 12 practice locations.

About UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to making health care work better.  With more than 2,700 Hartford-area employees, the company is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., and offers a broad spectrum of products and services through seven operating businesses: UnitedHealthcare, Ovations, AmeriChoice, Uniprise, OptumHealth, Ingenix, and Prescription Solutions.  Through its family of businesses, UnitedHealth Group serves approximately 70 million individuals nationwide.