United Way extends ’07 campaign

“We are too close to stop now.

Douglas Sweeney

Chairman of the 2007 campaign

The 2007 campaign incentives, including a $100,000 matching grant, are still in effect.

staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way has extended its 2007 campaign in an effort to reach its goal of $2.9 million.

To date, the campaign has raised $2,494,000, or about 86 percent, of its goal, said Douglas Sweeney, chairman of the 2007 campaign.

“Accounting for anticipated pledges not yet received, we are projected to raise $2,750,000 or 95 percent of our goal. We are too close to stop now,” said Sweeney, of Sweeney Buick, Pontiac GMC and Chevrolet. “It looks like we are going to have a shortfall of approximately $150,000, and we will continue to work to raise the additional funds needed to close the gap.”

“We recognized at the outset, with the recent job losses and economic uncertainty, that this would be a challenging campaign. And it is proving to be every bit as difficult as we expected,” said JoAnn Stock, United Way director of marketing and resource development.

“Our volunteers and staff are continuing to wrap up the workplace campaigns that are still in progress, and we are contacting donors who have not yet renewed their gifts,” said Donald Cagigas, Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way president and chief professional officer. “With the recent job losses and economic uncertainty, more people are in need, and the demand for services provided by our agencies is increasing.”

Through dollars raised during the annual campaign, the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way provides funding for some 70 programs, provided by 28 affiliated agencies, that help one out of every four people in the community.

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, Stock said.

The 2007 campaign incentives, including a $100,000 matching grant, are still in effect. An anonymous donor has agreed to match, up to a total of $100,000, all new leadership gifts of $1,000 or more, all new gifts from corporations and their employees, and all new gifts from local professionals including physicians and attorneys.

Additionally, any donor who gives a minimum of $5 per week, or a total annual gift of $260, will be entered into a drawing for ownership of a 2007 Pontiac G6 Convertible donated by Sweeney Buick Pontiac GMC Truck.

Any donor who contributes a minimum of $3 per week, or a total annual gift of $156, will be eligible to win one of two prizes: 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.

Any donor who contributes a minimum of $2 per week, or $104 for the year, will receive a Community Benefits Coupon Book containing discount offers from 54 local businesses.

Final results of the 2007 campaign will be announced and the drawing for the campaign prizes will take place at the annual meeting May 8. Call the United Way office at (330) 746-8494 for more information or to make a contribution.