United Way Thanks Community Supporters at Campaign Celebration Event
 The Norris Family (Alizay, Katie and Joe)United Way of Greater Lorain County held its Campaign Celebration Event at DeLuca's Place in the Park on Wednesday, March 28, in honor of the companies and individuals that contributed to the success of the 2006 campaign. Ed Skimin, Owner of Emerge Inc., served as Master of Ceremonies. Over 200 people were on hand to celebrate a good campaign effort and to hear United Way announce its 2006 fund raising total to date. The event was attended by business and labor leaders, community supporters, students and numerous volunteers.
Mark Stewart, Lorain County Auditor and 2006 Campaign Chairman thanked all of the supporters of the United Way. "I can't say enough about the overwhelming generosity of our corporate community, their employees and other individuals in this county. Even in the midst of an economic downturn, this has truly been a remarkable campaign." said Stewart.
The United Way campaign is still in progress. To date, pledges have reached $2,725,983.86. Agencies will receive funding from this campaign starting July 1st.
In addition to being a time to thank campaign volunteers and supporters, the celebration event was an opportunity to recognize outstanding company campaigns, campaign managers, and corporate support.
The 2006 Community Spirit & Community Impact Award Winners were: Bettcher Industries, Inc and Emerson Network Power.
Six Employee Campaign Manager Awards were given for planning company campaigns. Winners were Carl Cicerrella (PolyOne Corporation) for generating the most unique alternative fundraiser in the 2006 campaign. Nicole Oreskovic (Bendix Commerical Vehicle Systems LLC) for generating the most new dollars in the 2006 campaign. Dr. Don Sheldon (EMH Regional Healthcare System) for generating the most creative employee campaign. Allison Grant (Western Enterprises) for generating the most improved campaign. Eat'n Park Management Team for generating the best new employee campaign. Maureen Hanna (Giant Eagle) for generating the most new givers.
The Awards portion of the celebration concluded with the presentation of the United Way Caring Heart Award. The award is given annually to the individual whose volunteer efforts and spirit evidence the care for others and the dedication to community service which are the trademarks of the county's United Way. This year's recipient is Kathy Mahnic, from Macy's Group.
This year's Campaign Celebration event represented the fifth annual recognition of our partner agency volunteers also know as "Hometown Heroes". Fourteen volunteers that were selected by their agencies for their selfless support were honored: Dot MacIntyre, American Red Cross - Lorain County Chapter; Amy Duell, Arthritis Foundation; ); Crystal Rivera, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County; William County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County; Eugene Lucas, Catholic Charities Services of Lorain County; Zach Wenzel, Children's Developmental Center; Sara Hugo, Community Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing of Lorain County; Heather Reid, Joan McFarland, Family Planning Services of Lorain County - Deceased; Girl Scouts of Erie Shores; DeWitt Gober, Heart of Ohio, Boy Scouts of America; Amy Brown, Linking Employment Abilities & Potential (LEAP); Melanie Molesky, Lucy Idol Center for the Handicapped; Tom McCartney, Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio and Mary Ross, Volunteer Guardianship Program of Lorain County. A beautifully designed certificate was made for each of them thanking them for the good work that they do on behalf of our community every day.
Katie and Joe Norris talked about the tremendous helped they received through the Children's Developmental Center for their daughter Alizay.
Maria Zolli - United Way volunteer and supporter talks about the importance of giving to the United Way.
To close out the program, Shamur'a Allen and Chanelle Williams shared their gift through praise dance.
Click here to view all photos from the Celebration Event.
United Way provides financial support to 52 human service programs ranging from early childhood services through emergency shelter, family and senior services. Last year United Way programs serviced over 100,000 people in Lorain County. Money raised by United Way remains in Lorain County unless otherwise specified by donors. Citizens who live in Lorain County but work outside the county can pledge at their workplace and designate that their contribution be sent back to Lorain County.
Thanks to everyone who participated in Campaign 2006. Your support positively impacts thousands of lives here in Lorain County.
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