United Way sets the pace for 2008

“Live united.”

That’s the simple message United Way is promoting for the 11th annual Day of Caring on Sept. 11 in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.

“It is meant to advance the common good,” said Don Cagigas, president of United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, of the new campaign that encourages people to give, advocate and volunteer.

During the Pace-setter Breakfast on Wednesday, Cagigas said this year’s United Way campaign will focus on education, income and health, which are three main factors that affect everyone.

The breakfast was arranged to discuss campaigns in the workplace for those businesses participating in the pacesetter campaign. The businesses involved are very important because they get the ball rolling, said JoAnn Stock, director of marketing and resource development for United Way. Much of the money raised for United Way comes from the initial campaigns by participating businesses, said Stock.

United Way hopes the pacesetters reach the goal of $852,000 and hopes that amount plus other gifts will add up to $1 million by the Day of Caring on Sept. 11.

Read more in Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com