UNITED WAY Rally kicks off '04 fund-raiser

To date, this year's campaign has raised $338,742.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Getting the chance to explain to the public what they are all about was a big reason why volunteers from Catholic Charities manned a display booth at United Way of Trumbull County's 2004 Rally by the River.
The free event, which took place at the Warren Community Amphitheatre, served as the kickoff to United Way's annual fund-raising campaign.
"They support us, so we need to support them," Paula Smigrocky said of the United Way.
Smigrocky serves as the program manager of services to families for Catholic Charities, one of the 29 health and human service agencies in Trumbull County supported by United Way.
Rally by the River featured children's games and activities, food and entertainment for the public, as well as informational booths from various agencies and individual testimonials of how United Way has helped people in the community.
Workers from agencies including the Trumbull County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Mahoning Valley, Trumbull Mobile Meals and Catholic Charities provided visitors with pamphlets, magnets, buttons and more detailing the services each offers.
Joins with community
Debbie Morrow, a social worker with Catholic Charities, said the Rally by the River, which is now in its second year, is a great opportunity for United Way and its support agencies to mingle with the public.
"Our clients and the public in general can come out here, see what we are and what we can do," she said. "We are out here with the people that we provide these services for."
Aside from bringing the community together, Rally by the River also launches the yearly fund-raising efforts for United Way of Trumbull County, which in turn uses the money to support agencies committed to the five "fields of service" deemed vital to the community.
The fields of service are nurturing children, strengthening families, enriching the lives of seniors, promoting health and wellness and providing emergency services.
Last year, United Way of Trumbull County generated more than $2.25 million in contributions to fund those goals. To date, the Pacesetter Campaign, which targets early donations from various organizations, has already generated $338,742 toward the 2004 campaign.
slshaulis@vindy.com