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SALEM -- The 53rd United Way Services of Northern Columbiana County annual campaign kicked-off Aug. 27 at the Salem Community Center. President Roger E. Hack welcomed agency personnel and board members.
Janet Keene, Downtown Dining Experience chair, announced that the annual event, sponsored by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Sept. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 and are available from any United Way agency and the Chamber. Thirteen local eateries are participating to help raise funds for United Way. New participants include The OG and Totally 80's Ice Ice Cream Shoppe. Troll's Jewelry is donating a 14-karat white gold necklance by Gottlieeb & Sons, which holds a pendant with two bezel set diamonds and a pave set diamond circle which rotates.
In his remarks to the agencies, Hack took a look back at how the community has changed over the years, and how fundraising has changed as well. He acknowledged what "an amazing partnership United Way has with our agencies" and praised them for changing with the times and technology. Hack was proud to note that despite all the changes, "we're still here."
Keynote speaker was Linda S. Fergason, a retired nonprofit executive and consultant. Her career spans more than 43 years as executive director of several nonprofit agencies, including as an Advancement Officer at Kent State University, Executive Director of The Portage Foundation, and Director of Donor and Community Relations for the Greater Alliance Foundation.
Fergason expressed her gratitude to the agencies and United Way leadership for the work and services provided to help people thrive. She encouraged everyone tasked with asking for contributions to be prepared, to follow-up with every contact, and to practice key United Way phrases and words. She said listening is the most important component of "the ask." Finally, Fergason reminded everyone to be authentic and grateful for the opportunity to visit.
Executive director George W. S. Hays expressed his gratitude to the many donors who faithfully support United Way. Hays said, "United Way is in the business of helping individuals and families achieve their full potential so they can succeed and thrive." Fifteen local agencies will receive funding from United Way in 2026. "Our agencies provide approximately 100,000 service deliveries annually. Their services are available to anyone and everyone," Hays said.
Huntington Bank provided more than 480 book backpacks that were distributed to agencies for school-age clients prior to the start of school.
United Way is affiliated with other programs that benefit people throughout the area. Help Network of Northeast Ohio provides 211 telephone referral service 24/7 to Columbiana County. Help Network is the local response center for 988, the national help telephone number for people in crisis or in need of suicide intervention.
According to Hays, a successful campaign will enable United Way to provide $58,425 for Youth Opportunity; $66,155 for Healthy Opportunity; $27,390 for Financial Opportunity; and $29,465 for Community Resiliency.
One hundred percent of contributions are used locally. Every contribution is acknowledged by United Way and is tax deductible per IRS rules.
Contributions made payable to United Way may be sent to United Way Services of Northern Columbiana County, 210 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460-2855 or securely by credit card through the MobileCause® link on United Way's website, www.unitedwayofncc.org.