Like their ethereal counterparts, these Angels are dedicated to helping those in need.

Like their ethereal counterparts, these Angels are dedicated to helping those in need.
By MARGARET NERY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
In his dictionary, Webster defines angels as "white-robed winged figures." Others contend vociferously that you can't really see an angel. In this case, both are wrong.
They definitely are not winged figures, and, despite what the skeptics say, you can see them -- they're the Angels of Easter Seals.
These Angels are anything but one-dimensional apparitions. They are warm-hearted, loving, caring individuals who, like their ethereal counterparts, are dedicated to helping others.
This civic-minded band of Angels works tirelessly to furnish volunteer financial support for Easter Seals, which, in turn, provides services for children and adults of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties who have disabilities.
When the Mahoning Valley was hit hard financially by the closing of steel mills in the 1970s, the collapse of the economic base had a catastrophic effect on the entire community. It was then that Easter Seals realized that a private fund-raising source would have to be established in order to meet the growing demand from those unable to pay for services.
The cry for help was answered by a group of women who were anxious to meet the challenge. As a result, the Angels of Easter Seals was formed in 1976 for the express purpose of raising funds exclusively for the benefit of Easter Seals and its many humanitarian projects.
Mary Rossi and Effie Pascarella, two active mainstays of the organization, were among the charter members who readily volunteered to undertake the difficult task of raising funds during those troubled times.
Rossi credits the late Janet Geletka for taking the initiative and founding the organization by "asking nine other ladies to join her in the undertaking." She explained that each of the 10 original members asked four other women "they knew would be hard workers," and by the end of the first year there were 50 in the group.
Willing to work
Membership in the Angels is limited to those who "agree to contribute many volunteer hours to fund-raising activities and are willing to serve on a minimum of two committees per year."
Rossi says there are 75 active members. Carol Geletka, one of the original group, is among the 41 sustaining members.
Presently the Angels is headed by Lynn Ann Bucci, an active member of the organization since 1997 who serves as a liaison to Easter Seals.
According to Pascarella, "Seven provisionals are already being trained and 'waiting in the wings' for their opportunity to become Angels." She thinks it is wonderful that women are anxious to participate these days, when time is so valuable.
Personally she has found that membership in the well-knit, civic-minded group of dedicated women has been a source of great satisfaction. She says, "I am happy, especially about all the things we can do to help the children."
While Pascarella admits that "money is a little tight" right now, she adds that "the women will just work doubly hard."
In the beginning
A fashion show was staged by the organization as its first major fund-raising venture. To meet the demand for more money to finance Easter Seals services, the idea for a cookbook was formed, and plans were outlined for a Christmas event that ultimately became the popular and profitable "Magic of an Angels' Christmas."
Rossi says she is delighted that "due to the response from the community, each event has been a success." She notes that by making a few subtle changes in the basic format over the years, the fashion show is still a big money-maker.
The publication of a series of cookbooks swelled the organization's coffers. The group credits the dramatic success of the books to the fact that they contain well-tested recipes provided by area homemakers.
For the past 26 years, the Angels have organized and sponsored a wide assortment of events and activities, including gourmet dinners, theater parties and auctions, which, coupled with their other major undertakings, have raised over $1,868,000 for community service.
"And 100 percent of the monies earned by the Angels stays in the three counties supported by Easter Seals," proudly explains Julie Costas, who handles publicity for the volunteer group.
Costas, a member of the club since 1984 and publicist for 17 years, continues to be enthusiastic about her work with the Angels, which she admits is "very fulfilling and a source of satisfaction that comes from knowing you have helped someone."
As an example of how the efforts by the group benefit the community, Costas points with pride to the Head Start Infants & amp; Toddlers Playspace, which opened June 23 at 299 Edwards St.
The specially designed playground cost $62,556, which was funded by grants and donations from area businesses and individuals contacted by the Angels, including Leadership Mahoning Valley Class of 2002, which adopted the undertaking as a class project.
Funds raised by the Angels have also helped make it possible for Easter Seals to provide such services as Building Blocks, a therapeutic-based preschool program for children 2 to 6 with special needs; Buttons and Bows, a daycare-preschool program for children 6 weeks to 6 years, with or without disabilities; and adult day-care services for frail elderly individuals and those suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia.
Additional support
The Angels have also been instrumental in acquiring the financial support that helps make it possible for Easter Seals to provide outpatient medical rehabilitation services for adults and children with disabilities.
Despite the challenges of the fast-paced world of today and their busy lifestyles, the Angels also sponsor Easter and Christmas parties where gifts, donated by local merchants, are distributed to children who would otherwise be forgotten.
Through their tireless fund-raising projects, the Angels help to make it possible for those with special needs to live with equality, dignity and independence.
nery@vindy.com
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