TRUMBULL COUNTY United Way makes significant progress toward goal

The 2003 campaign is nearly 90 percent toward the final goal.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- First-time givers, combined with increased donations from longtime contributors, will bring the Trumbull County United Way to more than $2.2 million in pledges and donations.
The agency's fund-raising goal this campaign is $2.5 million.
Volunteers of the nonprofit organization gathered Wednesday for a progress report on the 2003 campaign, which is almost 90 percent toward the final goal.
James L. Crouse, retired director of engineering for Delphi Packard Electric Systems and 2003 campaign chairman, explained that the success to date comes from noteworthy campaigns throughout the year. Crouse noted that first-time contributor Best Buy in Niles not only raised $3,492 through employee donations, but the company itself pledged $10,000.
At other companies
Several local companies also were able to raise more than $1,000, while at the same time increasing their donations by more than 10 percent over last year's figures. Highlighted in that group were the International Steel Group Warren Coke Plant employees, including members of United Steel Workers of America Local 1375, who increased their giving by 1,187 percent.
"When we officially began our efforts on Sept. 4 with our Rally By the River at the Warren Amphitheatre, we knew that we were undertaking a big challenge: To raise $2.5 million with known reductions in the area's work force and an economy that is just now starting to recover," Crouse said.
Another area of success for this year's campaign is in the Second Century Society leadership giving program, which includes individuals and couples who donate $1,000 or more.
Marybeth Cunningham, chairwoman of leadership giving, reported that 166 members participated in this year's program, including 25 new members.
"To date, we've raised $244,685," she said.
Cunningham noted the figure is $44,000 above the same time last year, and includes four contributors who donated $10,000 or more.
Fund-raising methods
During his report, Crouse also noted how several contributing companies are using unique and innovative ways to raise money for United Way. The Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services raised more than $2,000 with employees participating in Dress Down Days, while United Way volunteers collected more than $2,000 selling chances at a "mystery basket" with various gifts valued at more than $3,000. Jerry Amadei of Howland was the winner of the basket.
"It just shows that we can collect some pretty big bucks while having fun," Crouse said.
The United Way of Trumbull County supplies funding to more than 140 programs and services through a network of 29 affiliate health and human service agencies. Each year, more than 137,000 individuals and families are aided by a United Way-funded program or service.
Final figures for the yearly campaign will not be computed until after the first of the year, when some of the county's larger companies will complete their fund-raising efforts.
slshaulis@vindy.com