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Valley United Way exceeds 2009 goal
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GOAL REACHED: Jim Graham, at the podium, president of United Auto Workers Local 1112 at the General Motors Lordstown Complex, explains how union workers helped the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley exceed its 2009 financial goal of $2.5 million. Also appearing at Wednesday’s press conference were, from left, David Green, president of UAW Local 1714 at Lordstown; John Donahoe, manager of the complex and 2009 campaign chairman; and Robert Hannon, UW president and chief professional officer.
YOUNGSTOWN — Despite the poor economy, the local United Way not only met but slightly exceeded its 2009 financial-campaign goal of $2.5 million.
It’s good news for programs funded by the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley and the people in the community they help, said Robert Hannon, agency president and chief professional officer.
He said the campaign raised $2,500,113, with an additional $18,000 to $20,000 still expected.
“It’s a very, very satisfying result, and a testimony to the giving, caring nature of the community and excellent campaign leadership during tough economic times,” said William Bresnahan, chairman of the executive committee of the United Way Board of Trustees.
“It’s good news. Everyone did a great job,” said John Donahoe, manager of the General Motors Lordstown Complex, who was chairman of the 2009 campaign.
“We set an aggressive goal this year ... because we knew so many would be facing some significant challenges in this economy,” Donahoe said.
He said he was proud of the more than $150,000 raised by local United Auto Workers union members in collaboration with General Motors Corp.
“I am also appreciative of all the people and communities that support the United Way. This money will be invested in fantastic programs right here in the Mahoning Valley,” Donahoe added.
“It’s an honor for me to represent the membership of United Auto Workers Local 1714 at GM. They realized there is a great need and stepped up,” said David Green, president of Local 1714.
All of organized labor really came through. The entire community kicked in, said Jim Graham, president of Auto Workers Local 1112 at GM.
Hannon also praised the work of students and staff at Youngstown State University, whose campaign, organized by Cynthia Anderson, vice president for student affairs, raised $62,000 in 2009 compared with $40,000 in 2008.
The allocation process is under way, and recommendations are expected to be brought to the UW board of trustees at its March meeting, said Ginny Pasha, director of community investment for United Way.
Pasha said volunteer committees will recommend funding in three general areas: nurturing children, strengthening individuals and families and core services of food, clothing and shelter.
The local United Way allocates funds to 70 programs operated by 27 agencies, Hannon said. “We’re working to advance the common good for the Mahoning Valley,” he added.
alcorn@vindy.com
SUCCESS | Campaign highlights
The United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley slightly exceeded its 2009 financial campaign goal of $2.5 million. Campaign goals and amounts raised in recent years are:
2008: Goal, $2.9 million; raised, $2.25 million.
2007: Goal, $2.9 million; raised, $2.8 million.
2006: Goal, $2.85 million; raised, $2,852,600.
2005: Goal, $3 million; raised, $2,805,700.
Highlights of the campaign include:
More than $80,000 in new money was raised, thanks to an anonymous local foundation that matched $75,000 dollar for dollar.
Membership in the Leadership Club, consisting of donors who give $1,000 or more, increased by 42.
The inaugural 100x100 Campaign brought in 75 new business donating at least $100 for the first time.
PNC Bank made the largest corporate gift.
General Motors Lordstown Complex conducted the largest workplace campaign.
The Youngstown Foundation made the largest foundation gift.
Thirty workplace campaigns increased giving by at least 10 percent.
Eight companies increased their corporate gifts by at least 10 percent.
Source: United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley