United Way sets goal of $2.85 million

Donors can win a lease on a 2007 Pontiac, airline tickets or a $1,000 gasoline card.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- The 2006 goal for the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way financial campaign is $2,850,000, a $45,000 increase over the $2,805,000 collected in 2005, said Frank Hierro, campaign chairman.
Hierro, Sky Bank regional president, announced the goal Wednesday at the kickoff breakfast and training session of the Pacesetter segment of the annual campaign at the Holiday Inn.
It is an aggressive goal, but with everyone's effort and dedication, one that is achievable, Hierro said.
The 2005 campaign goal was $3 million.
Pacesetter companies hope to increase both corporate and employee giving by 10 percent, with an overall goal for the division of $912,800, Hierro said.
With the results from the Pacesetter companies and advance Leadership and foundation gifts, United Way hopes to have $1 million, or 35 percent, of the total campaign goal raised by the general campaign kickoff Sept. 13.
Pacesetter Division
The Pacesetter Division comprises 77 companies and organizations that have a strong history of support for United Way, and who agree to run an early campaign to set the pace for the general campaign, Hierro said.
The Pacesetter Division committee includes: Chairman, Rick Stevens, Charter One Bank; and committee members Julianna Bellino, Darlene Boerio, Rebecca Greenwood, Andy Inboden and Karen Luke, all of Charter One Bank; Mark Samuel, Neighborhood Ministries; and Joe Caruso, Burdman Group.
"The strength of United Way starts with our volunteers. People from our community join together to review community needs, establish priorities, and raise and invest funds, focusing primarily on key impact areas and the achievement of measurable results," said Don Cagigas, United Way president and chief professional officer.
The Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way focuses funding, through its 29 affiliated agencies, on five impact areas. They are: Nurturing Our Children, Enriching the Lives of Our Seniors, Promoting Health and Wellness, Caring for People in Crisis, and Achieving Our Potential.
nited Way is offering special 2006 campaign donor incentives. Donors who give a minimum of $3 per week, or a total annual gift of $156, are eligible to win one of three prizes: a two-year lease on a 2007 Pontiac G5, donated by Sky Bank and Sweeney Buick, Pontiac, GMC Truck and Chevrolet; two round-trip airline tickets to any destination in the continental United States, donated by Carlson-Wagonlit Travel; or a $1,000 gas card donated by True North Energy.
Also, donors who contribute at least $2 per week, or $104 per year, will receive a "Community Benefits Coupon Book" containing discount offers from 56 local businesses.
Although the best way to help the most people and meet the widest range of community needs is through an undesignated gift to the Community Care Fund, the United Way also offers donors the opportunity to direct their gift to a specific impact area, or a portion of their gift may be directed to any 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides health and human services in the local area, JoAnn Stock, director of marketing and resource development, said.
Those interested in helping or knowing more about United Way can call (330) 746-8494.
alcorn@vindy.com