United Way recognizes community support
Tribune Chronicle
HOWLAND — More than 200 community leaders and volunteers gathered at Leo’s Ristorante for the 94th annual meeting / awards luncheon of the United Way of Trumbull County.
Cathy Saluga of Mercy Health and chairman of the United Way Board of Directors, along with Ginny Pasha, president of United Way of Trumbull County, highlighted the organizations’ 2016 accomplishments.
“We have many great assets in Trumbull County but none greater than our people,” Pasha said. “If it wasn’t for our advocates, volunteers, donors, sponsors and community members who want to help make a difference, we could not meet the needs of our county.”
Pasha recognized the 2016 campaign team members, each of whom played a role in securing funds to support the work of United Way. Team members included John Pogue, who led the Leaders in Giving members; John Walsh, who focused on the organization’s newly created Prospect Division; Fran Cunningham and Don Moore shared responsibilities for Finance, Real Estate and Insurance members of the community; and Kathy Cook lead the Health and Professional Division and secured a 12 percent increase over last year.
l General Motors Lordstown Complex and UAW Locals 1112 and 1714 each received the Give Award as the company that raises the greatest amount.
l The Give Award was also presented to Drake Manufacturing and Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board. Drake was recognized for showing the most success as United Way’s newest campaign workplace, while Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board was awarded for 100 percent employee participation during the 2016 employee campaign.
l The Advocate Awards were Gary Steinbeck for advocating for United Way and successfully securing $20,000; Dollar General Literacy Foundation for providing funding to secure new books for the children participating in last summer’s “Ready, Set, Go!” literacy intervention program and hosting United Way’s Second Semester School Supply Drive.
l An Advocate Award went to Holly Welch of McGuffey PK-8 building of the Warren City Schools. Welch invited United Way staff into her classroom as a show of support and also motivated the students to conduct their own classroom campaign.
l The Volunteer Awards honors companies and / or individuals who contribute a significant amount of time and effort to the benefit of United Way. This year’s recipients included the Trumbull County Children Services Board campaign committee of Julie Vandergriff, Heather Buck and Kasey Sapp, Trumbull Memorial Hospital and Robin Patton.
l The Give, Advocate and Volunteer Awards were presented to Cortland Bank, St. Joseph Warren Hospital and Seven Seventeen Credit Union in recognition of organizations and / or individuals who demonstrate a very high-level of commitment to the United Way through significant personal and / or corporate contributions and volunteering to help raise awareness of and raising funds.
l Board members whose terms expired are Gary Steinbeck, Jody Stringer and Saluga, who served as board chairperson for the last two years.
l New board members were returning board member Don Moore of Midwest Trumco Insurance, Bob Nemeth of Stanwade Metal Products, Van Nelson, executive director of Trumbull Community Action Program, and Jim Ledenko, representing Laborers International Union Local 935.