United Way of Trumbull County starts campaign at baseball game

By SHELBY SCHROEDER

The 2008 fund-raising goal is more than $1.5 million.

NILES — United Way of Trumbull County gave the Mahoning Valley Scrappers a hand at Eastwood Field in hopes the crowd would return the gesture.

The organization offered the ball from the first pitch in Wednesday’s game against the Williamsport Crosscutters to kick off their 2008 fund-raising campaign in Trumbull County.

“I just hope I don’t hurt anybody,” said W. Dallas Woodall, chairman of United Way’s campaign, who tossed the first ball.

In a speech in the picnic garden at the field, Woodall announced to UW volunteers and crowd members this year’s goal — $1.55 million.

“It will take a lot of work — especially recognizing the many changes in our county’s economic base,” he said.

Donald Moore, chairman of the board of directors for Trumbull County’s United Way, put the changing economy into perspective for those at the field. He said more than 80,000 people in the county have directly benefited from programs and services funded by the United Way. That number is up as more families suffer financial hardships.

“Since 1928, your response to our local appeals has built a caring community and a strong network of human service providers,” he said. “The human needs of our community are [now] as great as ever.”

Between the second and third innings, United Way was nudged a bit further toward its goal with a $5,000 check from the Humility of Mary Health Partners.

Presenting the money was Sister Dianne Tress, the director of mission integration for the Humility of Mary, a not-for-profit health-care system in the Mahoning Valley.

More important than his toss of the ball, Woodall said he wanted to remind people what United Way means to the county.

“It’s our job to show everyone that the need is still out there,” he said. “We really do so much for the community.”

Woodall also thanked the efforts by 16 area organizations who participated in pacesetter campaigns.

Meeting slightly more than 20 percent of the year’s goal, $310,600 was donated.

“With these kinds of results, I’m confident that campaign 2008 will have a positive outcome,” Woodall said.

The speeches over and game in full swing, there was only one thing to be sure of.

No. No one was injured by Woodall’s pitch.

sschroeder@vindy.com