By WARREN DILLAWAY - Staff Writer
ASHTABULA — Area leaders gathered Friday morning to celebrate a year of neighbors helping neighbors at an awards breakfast for the Ashtabula County United Way.
The 2009-10 United Way campaign is nearing an end. The organization hopes to raise $740,000 this year, the same as the previous campaign, said United Way Executive Director Randy Jones, following the event at the Ashtabula Elks Club. He said there are still donations that are trickling in but it looks like the funds raised will be about the same as last year.
Twenty-four different agencies are funded by United Way, Jones said. He said during the difficult economic times the organization’s support of the main county food warehouses, including Country Neighbor in Orwell, and support of several food banks, is essential.
This year, the organization, like many others, has had to make difficult decisions and, as most families and businesses, has had to do more with less.
“The reality is we are raising less money (than years gone by),” Jones said.
Jones credited area business leaders for giving their employees time to lead campaigns and reach out to those less fortunate. He said many people reacted positively this year, knowing people personally who are out of work.
Jones also recognized Laura and Mark Jones for their work as campaign chairpersons and Dick and Mary Pepperny for their many years of commitment to United Way.
Jim Moyer was presented with the Live United Award.
“He has helped the United Way for more than two decades,” he said.
Grand Valley Local Schools, represented by superintendent Bill Nye, was recognized as the most-improved employee campaign, with their employees doubling the amount of donations of the previous campaign.
The Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School received the Creative Campaign Award, and Cristal Global won the Total Giving Award with a total donation of $45,905. Apple Heating was honored for the highest-giving company or organization by per capita giving, with each person having given $324.
