Economy hurts United Way campaign

Trumbull United Way’s 2008 financial campaign raised $1.35 million.

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — The 2008 campaign of the United Way of Trumbull County suffered along with the rest of the economy, taking in $200,000 less than it did in 2007.

That was one of the facts announced when the United Way held it’s 86th annual meeting.

The event, which was Tuesday at Leo’s Ristorante in Howland, was attended by some 120 community leaders and volunteers.

Donald E. Moore, chairman of the United Way board of directors, said the Trumbull United Way’s 2008 financial campaign, headed by Atty. W. Dallas Woodall, raised $1.35 million, down $200,000 from 2007.

Moore, vice president of the Midwest Trumco Insurance Agency, cited continued progress in the United Way’s community impact efforts, as well as collaborations with other caring systems, “to bring about solutions to our community’s most pressing human service issues.”

Woodall, a partner of Letson, Griffith, Woodall, Lavelle & Rosenberg, said that despite the obstacles, the financial campaign team was able to raise $1.35 million “on behalf of our neighbors in need.” The 2008 goal was $1.55 million, the amount raised in 2007.

Moore, who received an award for exemplary leadership as chairman of the board, presented a Distinguished Service Award to Woodall for his campaign leadership, said Brian J. Musick, director of marketing.

Others who received volunteer service awards are: Jerry J. McGee, Seven Seventeen Credit Union, for chairmanship of the finance and administration committee; Richard A. Darkangelo, retired director of Trumbull LifeLines, for leading the community investment committee; and Karen R. DeSalvo, Seven Seventeen Credit Union, for heading the communications committee.

Woodall presented 69 individuals, companies, employee groups and labor unions with awards in recognition of their significant accomplishments. The highest campaign honors went to Macy’s, which received both campaign chairman’s awards for attainment of the highest percentage of employee giving potential and for achievement of the highest percentage increase based upon employee giving potential.

In other action, Donald W. Emerson Jr., executive director of the Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority, was elected board chairman for the 2009-10 term. Other officers include: First vice chairman, John A. Guarnieri; second vice chairman, Fran H. Cunningham; secretary, DeSalvo; and treasurer, McGee.

Moore will serve as immediate past chairman, and Thomas J. Krysiek as president and chief professional officer.

alcorn@vindy.com