Canton, Ohio (September 6, 2019) — United Way of Greater Stark County launched its annual fundraising campaign today with an inspirational morning of stories of people who have been helped because of the community’s donations.
Mike Gallina, Vice President of Communications and Community Outreach for AultCare, emceed the event and with his wit and enthusiasm, helped remind attendees that the need in the community is real and donations do make a difference in many people’s lives.
Tonya Wright, United Way of Greater Stark County board member, and Mark Wright, Chief Financial Officer at Aultman Health Foundation, are co-chairing the 2019 campaign and unveiled the messaging for this year, “Be the reason”.
“Our fundraising goal for this year is ambitious,” said Mark Wright. “We’re encouraged by the support we’re seeing throughout the community. Together, we can build a brighter future, so we’re asking workplaces and individuals to join the fight — and be the reason we’re a stronger community.”
One of the goals of the event was to raise $5,000 to support a trauma and resiliency program under the CARE Team umbrella. Attendees at the breakfast hit the goal in 2 minutes and raised a total of $6,750 by the end of the event.
CARE Team is a school-based program providing wrap-around services which support both the student and the entire family. CARE Team is in every school district in Stark County. CARE Team addresses non-academic barriers to learning that a student faces, and as a result, supports the entire family’s progress to success. Last year, nearly 5,400 students benefited from CARE Team. Even more astounding, more than 35,000 services were provided to these students and their families.
United Way seeks to raise a total of $6.1 million by December 6 to fund local nonprofits and programs that serve more than 200,000 people every year in our community.
“The need in our community is urgent. Too many families continue to struggle to make ends meet, despite working hard,” said Maria Heege, United Way of Greater Stark County President & CEO. “This year’s campaign is a call-to-action for our community. Help is within reach for your friends and neighbors. You can be the reason they find it.”
All proceeds donated today, September 6, 2019, will go directly to the trauma and resiliency program. If you would like to contribute, please text BETHEREASON to 41444.
About United Way of
Greater Stark County
United
Way of Greater Stark County fights for the health, education and financial stability
of every person in every community. We win by living United. By forging
unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. By mobilizing
the best resources. And by inspiring individuals to join the fight against
their community’s most daunting social crisis. Our mission is to improve lives
by mobilizing the caring power of our communities in Greater Stark County. In
order to live better, we must live United. For more information about United
Way of Greater Stark County visit
www.uwstark.org. Offices are at 401 Market
Avenue North, Suite 300, Canton, Ohio 44702. (330) 491-0445.