United Way opens '06 campaign with entertainment, speeches

Friday, August 25, 2006 The campaign chairman hopes to exceed the $1.85 million raised in 2005. BY AMANDA GARRETT VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WARREN — Rain clouds turned to blue skies just as the United Way of Trumbull County kicked off its 2006 campaign in downtown Warren. The Rally by the River at the Warren Community Amphitheater in Perkins Park on Thursday night featured performances by two local bands, face painting and a visit from the Mahoning Valley Scrappers' mascot, Scrappy. In addition to the entertainment, local agencies funded by the United Way, including Catholic Charities, Niles Community Services and the Boy Scouts, told the public about the services they provide. The United Way has become more crucial than ever in helping local charities do their job, said Jean A. Williams, director of Niles Community Services. "We couldn't do what we do without them," she said. "The United Way is an integral part of our organization." With the Mahoning Valley facing tough economic times, business has increased 30 percent at the Community Services office on Vienna Avenue, Williams said. NCS provides food, clothing and financial and medical assistance to economically disadvantaged residents of Niles, Mineral Ridge and Weathersfield Township. The tough economic times could also effect the United Way's fundraising this year. The United Way has a "philosophical goal" to top the $1.85 million the organization raised last year. The organization wants to specifically target the money raised to make sure every dollar is wisely spent, president Thomas Krysiek said. No specific goal The UW did not set a specific fund-raising goal for this year. Funds raised during this year's appeal will target 29 health and human service programs in five areas: strengthening families, nurturing children, enriching the lives of seniors, promoting health and wellness and providing emergency services. "As the money in the community diminishes, the needs in the community become greater," he said. "In those five areas, we can focus our dollars to meet the most pressing needs of the community." Early fund-raising results reveal that the United Way is in a good position to meet its goal, said John A. Guarnieri, the 2006 campaign chairman. The organization already has raised $305,300 in its summer campaign. "I'm confident that we will continue to grow and that campaign 2006 will have a positive outcome," he said. Trumbull County has a history of supporting the United Way, Krysiek said. "If we all pull on the rope at the same time and in the same direction, we can work miracles," he added. agarrett@vindy.com