United Way begins 2009 appeal in Trumbull County

The Trumbull United Way did not set a specific fund-raising goal for 2009.

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — United Way of Trumbull County began its 2009 fund-raising appeal, which supports more than 50 health and human- service programs, Tuesday evening at the National Packard Museum, as volunteers reported pledges and contributions totaling $221,300.

John L. Pogue, an attorney with the law firm Harrington, Hoppe and Mitchell and United Way campaign chairman, said the measure of a community is how it treats its less fortunate.

“Using that standard,” he said, “ours has been a successful and caring community, and the United Way has been the catalyst of that success in caring.”

He noted that Trumbull County never has faced greater human needs than it does today. And because fewer resources are available, the importance of the United Way appeal is greater than ever. Pogue urged the community to “participate, not just with casual involvement, but to the fullest of their abilities.”

He said funds raised during the annual appeal help address the needs of the community through programs and services that serve one in three Trumbull County residents each year.

Donald W. Emerson, Jr., chairman of the United Way board of directors, said Campaign 2009 promises to be a most challenging task, made even more difficult by the local economy.

Emerson added, “United Way and its service providers will be at the forefront to meet this demand, but increased funding and expanded volunteer support will be essential.”

Pogue said the United Way board of directors set a nontraditional goal for Campaign 2009.

“Rather than a pure dollar amount, this year’s goal reflects perhaps even greater challenges,” he said.

The goal includes several objectives, such as expanding the United Way’s giving base, increasing participation from employees of companies, increasing corporate giving among both multinational and hometown companies, growth in leadership giving, and building increased awareness of the United Way’s value to the community.

If these objectives are met, Pogue said he’s confident that the 2009 campaign’s revenue will exceed the $1.35 million pledged in 2008.

Pogue reported that $157,705 was raised to date through early pacesetter solicitation efforts at 15 area organizations and 21 United Way-affiliated service providers.

Pacesetter campaign participants included Jack Gibson Construction; Hill, Barth & King; Home Savings and Loan; Huntington Bank; Letson, Griffith, Woodall, Lavelle & Rosenberg Co., L.P.A.; Macy’s; Packer Thomas; Paige & Byrnes Insurance Agency; the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber; Sam’s Club; Seven Seventeen Credit Union; Trumbull County Educational Service Center; Trumbull Industries; Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority; United Way-affiliated service providers; and Wal-Mart.