ALTRUISTIC ANGELS At Easter Seals, help is in style

From 15 members in 1977 to more than 100 members now, these Angels have helped to answera lot of prayers.
BOARDMAN -- An angel celebrated a birthday Thursday.
The Angels, a fund-raising division of Easter Seals, marked its 25th anniversary with its 25th annual spring fashion show Thursday at Mr. Anthony's in Boardman.
Kaufmann's again sponsored the show, as it has since the event began.
Professional models from Kaufmann's in Pittsburgh showcased new trends in spring fashion, which included patriotic and western looks. The show included clothes from Polo Jeans, Kenneth Cole and Nine West.
The 2002 child ambassador for Easter Seals also did some modeling in the show, as did other Easter Seals children, who were escorted by local celebrities. Sabrina Welce, who is 5, was escorted by Vindicator columnists Diane Murphy and Gail White. Sabrina has cerebral palsy and began going to Easter Seals when she was a year old.
Big crowd: More than 650 people watched Sabrina and the other models, and organizers anticipated raising $25,000.
"Angels raise funds for the Easter Seals Center and help the disabled in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties," said Julie Costas, publicity chairwoman for the event. "One hundred percent of the money stays in the area."
Easter Seals has four offices in the area: two in Youngstown, one in Boardman and one in Warren. Ken Sklenar, CEO and president of Easter Seals, said the Angels help the organization meet the needs of the community.
"A big challenge we have is funding the services we provide," Sklenar said.
Easter Seals provides services to those with disabilities and special needs. Among services provided are adult and child day-care centers, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology and support groups.
The organization serves about 5,000 adults and children each year, though 60 percent of those they help are children.
Money raised: Over its 25 years, Angels has raised $1.8 million for Easter Seals and hopes to continue raising more to meet the community's growing needs, Angels President Geri Kosar said.
"Angels started with 15 members in 1977, and now we have 72 active members," Costas said. The program also has 35 sustaining members, who are not as active as full members.
Members not only raise money, but also provide volunteer services for children and adults with disabilities, and promote the welfare of Easter Seals.
Angels also participate in two parties, Christmas and Easter, at Easter Seals. Toys 'R' Us donates 70 presents and 70 Easter baskets each year for the children who attend the party. The parties are a "heart-warming time," Costas said.
Being an Angel is not easy, though, Costas said. Members have to be generous and support all projects the program does.
"It's almost a 24-hour-a-day job," Costas said, adding, "It is well worth it. Nothing is nicer than an event like this [the fashion show]."
One of three: The fashion show is one of three fund-raising events the Angels have each year; the others are Magic at Christmas Time and a cookbook sale. Angels raise the most money at The Magic at Christmas Time event, which brings in about $100,000 per year. The cookbook sale raises from $15,000 to $20,000 per year.
Money raised by the Angels will go toward a new facility for Easter Seals. Sklenar said Easter Seals has outgrown its adult day-care facility in Boardman and is looking for a new building in the same area.