TRUMBULL UNITED WAY Rally by the River event to help start campaign

The event features food, activities and live entertainment.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Officials with United Way of Trumbull County are ready to help residents extend their Labor Day holiday with a Rally by the River.
Now in its second year, Rally by the River serves as the kickoff to the 2004 fund-raising campaign for the nonprofit agency.
The free event takes place from 5:15-8:15 p.m. today at Warren's Community Amphitheatre along the Mahoning River near the Kinsman House.
Chris Malanga, director of communications for the United Way of Trumbull County, said the gathering offers something for everyone, from children's activities to food to live entertainment.
"Our live bands this year are Black Tie Optional and Guys Without Ties. There's not a theme there, I swear," he says with a laugh.
Also performing will be the competition team from the James Dance and Performing Arts Center.
Agencies supported by United Way will also be on hand to offer games, face-painting and other children's activities. Costumed characters -- including Ronald McDonald, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers' mascot Scrappy and Seven Seventeen Credit Union's Dollar Dog -- will wander the area to entertain the crowds as well, Malanga said.
Another attraction will be the food vendors, he said. Restaurants from downtown Warren will sell everything from sandwiches to pizza rolls. Participating restaurants are the Hippodrome, Little Johnny's and North Perk Cafe.
Getting the message out
In the middle of it all, the message of United Way will still get out to the people, Malanga said.
Beginning at 6 p.m., United Way campaign officials will explain the agency's goals and mission and speak about the annual fund-raising campaign's importance.
Each year, United Way agencies across the country work with local businesses and residents to raise money, which is distributed to health and human service agencies. Those agencies then provide needed services to communities.
In Trumbull County, the United Way supports more than 25 agencies each year. In 2003, more than $2.25 million was raised to benefit local agencies.
United Way is an independent nonprofit agency governed by a board of directors. Through its network of service providers, United Way offers programs and services to thousands of residents each year.
Events such as Rally by the River help United Way raise money and awareness about programs and services offered.
For more information about Rally by the River or United Way of Trumbull County, check the Web site at www.unitedwaytrumbull.org.
slshaulis@vindy.com