Volunteer Stories
Passionate volunteers help us build a stronger community
Dave and Laura Grabowsky, United Way of Greater Stark County Campaign Co-Chairs 2021-2022
How did you get involved in United Way? Dave: I have been involved with United Way since 1979. I am a contractor and I was asked to run the United Way construction division. My role was to oversee coordinating the collection for United W...
Scott Fitzpatrick and Gerald F. Schroer, Jr. – 2021 National Volunteer Week Award Recipients
We celebrate National Volunteer Week 2021 April 18 – 24. It is an opportunity to recognize the incredible people who donate their time, talent and voice to support our organization throughout the year. Volunteers play a vital role in t...
Gavin Clay – Inspired Youth 2021 Award Recipient
“When Gavin found out his classmate, DJ Patterson, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, he wanted to do something to help,” said Krista Clay, Gavin’s mother. “He researched organizations that donate or help with research for pedia...
Ryan Miller – 2021 DeHoff Emerging Philanthropist Award Recipient
“Ryan is a little different than what you might expect from a restaurant owner. He uses his business as a tool to help surrounding areas, making an impact in our local community,” says his nominator, Derek Gordon. “He goes a little...
Isabel Lombardi – Inspired Youth 2020 Award Winner
“Isabel has been a part of several service projects for the needy, including making blankets, creating snack bags and collecting donated toys. She also does service projects through St. Michael School and her Girl Scout troop,” says...
Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Goff
Chris Goff will chair this year’s United Way of Greater Stark County’s campaign. Goff, CEO & General Counsel of Employers Health, has been an avid supporter of United Way corporately and personally for many years. Chris and his wife ...
Alex Nicholis Coon – DeHoff Emerging Philanthropist 2020 Award Winner
DeHoff Emerging Philanthropist Award will be presented to Alex Nicholis Coon. Alex partners with the Soroptimist International of Canton/Stark County and chairs the Celebration of Women. Recently, she helped connect the Massillon Purse P...
Jacqueline DeGarmo – Gold Key Service 2020 Award Winner
Jacqueline DeGarmo is the president and founder of Hilliard Jeane, an International Analyst at Intelligent Community Forum, a member of the governing Board of Stark County Educational Service Center, founder of First Promise, and directo...
Amy Mast – Gold Key Service 2020 award winner
Amy Mast is highly involved in United Way’s Women United donor network group, chairing the Steering Committee and leading the Advocacy Committee. She also serves on the United Way Community Investment Committee, which oversees three Im...
Mike Patterson – Gold Key Service 2020 award winner
Mike Patterson is the former editor at The Review and continues to be involved in the news through sharing community happenings and tips. He now volunteers full-time at Alliance Community Pantry and Alliance Kiwanis Club, helping to deli...