Trumbull United Way recaps year at luncheon

W. Dallas Woodall is chairman of United Way of Trumbull County’s 2008 campaign.

By TIM YOVICH

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

HOWLAND — United Way of Trumbull County is focusing on prioritizing needs of the community and addressing the root of social issues, its board chairman says.

“What matters is not merely the number of clients served, but the results — the successful and lasting outcomes that can be achieved for the betterment of the community,” board chairman Donald E. Moore said Thursday during the agency’s 85th annual awards luncheon at Leo’s Ristorante.

The luncheon was attended by about 170 community leaders and UW volunteers.

“In short, rather than funding a select network of member agencies, a community impact organization mobilizes resources to focus on prioritized needs and address the root causes of social problems,” said Moore, vice president of Midwest Trumco Insurance Agency.

“Indeed, community impact has been the guiding principle underlying the accomplishments of the past year,” he added. “The end result was significant community support despite a diminished economy and employment reductions at key industries.”

United Way of America has fully certified the local UW and its operations. As a measure of its impact, Trumbull County UW ranks third behind Cleveland and Wooster in Northeast Ohio.

“Like those volunteers who laid the foundation for our United Way some 85 years ago, we too are enthusiastic about the future and strengths of our human services section,” Moore said.

Fran H. Cunningham, a Realtor with William Zamarelli Realtors, said the agency raised $1.55 million in 2007.

The majority of the money went to efforts to nurture children, senior life enrichment, strengthening families, promoting health and wellness and emergency services.

“Despite a difficult economy and a number of new economic obstacles, the appeal achieved a number of strategic objectives,” including the money raised, Cunningham said.

Atty. W. Dallas Woodall of the law firm of Letson, Griffith, Woodall, Lavelle Rosenberg, was named chairman of the 2008 campaign.

Woodall said that UW is more than fundraising, it’s a commitment to the community.

The community is made up of people and people are it’s greatest asset, Woodall said.

Moore, who received an award for exemplary leadership as chairman, presented the Distinguished Service Award to Cunningham for her campaign leadership.

Special awards went to Home Savings, attaining the highest percentage of employees giving; Wheatland Tube Co.’s Warren plant, achieving the highest percentage increase based on employee donations; and Willard 6-8 and McGuffey K-2 schools, highest per student contributions.

yovich@vindy.com