Mercer County United Way drive isn't far from its goal of $1 million

SHARON, Pa. -- The chairman of the 2003 United Way of Mercer County campaign said he is confident the effort will reach its $1 million goal.
Rex Knisley said Friday that pledges gathered so far total $865,209, and that's 86.5 percent of the goal.
"We are optimistic that we will achieve our goal with the support of past givers who have not yet responded to our latest appeal," he said.
Jim Micsky, United Way executive director, pointed out that some employee campaigns in local companies haven't started yet. They won't be run until after the first of the year, he said.
Micsky announced the winners of this year's promotion drive that made anyone who gave at least a $52 contribution to the campaign for the first time, or increased a previous pledge by that amount, eligible for one of three prizes.
Mark Wasser, an employee of the Mercer County Public Assistance office, was the grand prize winner and has his choice of one of nine new vehicles, such as a Chevrolet S10 pickup truck or a Pontiac Grand Am SE.
James Johnson, a Wheatland Tube employee, won the second-place prize, two round-trip Charter Air seats from Cleveland to Las Vegas or Cancun.
Patty Sinkuc, an employee of Pennstar Federal Credit Union, won the third-place prize of his-and-her rocker recliners.