United Way campaign falls behind

A foundation will match up to $50,000 in new gifts in certain categories.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The 2005 Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way campaign is significantly short of its goal, said Robert Shroder, campaign chairman.
Shroder, president and chief executive officer of Humility of Mary Health Partners, said the annual campaign has reached just 71 percent of its $3 million goal, and community support is needed to reach 100 percent.
United Way officials hope the campaign will get a boost from the offer of an anonymous local foundation to match up to a total of $50,000 of all new gifts in the following categories: corporate and employee gifts from local businesses; new individual leadership gifts of $1,000; and new gifts from physicians and attorneys.
"We have raised $2,137,477 so far, and our volunteers are continuing to work to raise the additional $863,000 needed to reach our goal of $3 million," Shroder said.
"We recognized at the outset that current economic conditions and local giving to hurricane relief efforts would make this a difficult campaign," said Don Cagigas, United Way president. "But, the situation is worse than we had anticipated, and I am very concerned because we have never been this far behind at this point in the annual campaign.
"The bottom line is programs will be cut, and there will be gaps in community services if we do not reach our goal," Cagigas added.
Funding multiple programs
The Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way provides funding for about 70 programs offered by 29 affiliated agencies that help one out of every four people in the community, Shroder said.
United Way-funded programs help to feed the hungry, provide shelter for the homeless, nurture children, strengthen families, maintain senior independence and ensure that emergency services are available in times of disaster, he added.
JoAnn Stock, United Way director of marketing and resource development, emphasized that it is not too late for local businesses to run a workplace campaign, or for individuals to make a donation.
"Since nearly 80 percent of United Way funds are raised through local workplace campaigns and corporate gifts, it is critical that local businesses support our United Way, and provide their employees the opportunity to give," Stock said.
Additionally, new donors can double their impact thanks to the generosity of the local foundation offering $50,000 in match money, she said.
Stock also said that incentives for the 2005 campaign, including the Cobalt Driveaway and the Community Benefits Coupon Book, have been well-received.
Any donor who gives a minimum of $2 a week, or a total minimum gift of $104 is eligible to win a two-year lease on a 2006 Chevy Cobalt donated by Sweeney Chevrolet. Each donor who qualifies for the Chevy Cobalt Driveaway also will receive a Community Benefits Coupon Book, which includes discount offers from 48 local businesses.
XFor more information, call the United Way office at (330) 746-8494.