Valley’s United Way sets $2.5 million goal

YOUNGSTOWN — Pacesetters have a tradition of getting the United Way’s annual campaign off to a good start, said Bob Hannon, head of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.

“We need you” again this year if the 2009 campaign is to reach its $2.5 million goal, Hannon said to the Pacesetters at their campaign kick-off breakfast Thursday at the Boardman Holiday Inn.

“It starts at the top. If the CEO or campaign coordinator are enthusiastic, the employees will be too,” he said.

The Pacesetter Campaign consists of 40 to 50 local businesses, schools and nonprofit organizations that conduct early workplace campaigns before the general campaign begins Sept. 11 with the community-wide Day of Caring. There are about 10 new pacesetter organizations this year, Hannon said.

During the Day of Caring, community volunteers complete service projects at United Way funded agencies.

Hannon, president and chief professional officer, said this year’s goal of $2.5 million is reachable despite the flagging economy.

The 2008 campaign came up about $600,000 short of its $2.9 million goal.

Read more in Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com