United Way of Lake County Announces Goal of $1,800,000 at Campaign Kickoff August 30 with Summer Car Raffle Winner Ceremony
Mentor, OH (August 31, 2023) – United Way of Lake County (UWLC) kicked off their 2023 Campaign on August 30th at Spring Brook Gardens in Mentor from 11:30 am – 1 pm.
Over 200 guests attended the luncheon. The highlight of the event was the "Pathway to Help" exercise, which showcased the many nonprofit programs supported by UWLC through their funding allocations. The exercise involved providing guests with various scenarios that someone in need would experience on their pathway to find support. This not only highlighted the many nonprofit programs available to those in need, but also emphasized how most people require more than one program.
The goal of the exercise was to raise awareness about the important work done by UWLC and its partner agencies, and the challenges so many in need face along the path toward a better life.
According to UWLC President and CEO Dione DeMitro, “For our friends and neighbors who need assistance, the path is very seldom straight, often has many stops and doesn’t always end where they thought it would take them. It can be full of detours, false starts, and lacking the directional signs so sorely needed.”
DeMitro went on to explain that what sets UWLC apart is their focus on the broad spectrum of needs in Lake County, explaining that the gifts they receive stay in Lake County helping to fund gaps in need in the areas of education, health, and financial stability.
UWLC 2023 Campaign Chair Richard Selby II, Managing Partner of Dworken & Bernstein announced a campaign goal of $1,800,000 and made an impassioned call for community support. As someone who grew up learning the difference between needs and wants, he implored all to join him in support of the work UWLC does to impact lives.
In 2022, over 67,000 services were provided via UWLC funded programs through their agency partners. An additional $110,000 in food was distributed to over 30 local food banks. All important, because 31% of Lake County households struggle to stay afloat and afford basic needs.
Notable guests in attendance included former Ohio State Senator John Eklund, Lake County Commissioner Richard Regovich, Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren, Lake County Domestic Relations Court Judge Colleen A. Falkowski, Lake County Probate Court Judge Mark J. Bartolotta, Painesville Municipal Court Judge Paul Malchesky, Willoughby Municipal Court Judge Marisa Cornachio, Painesville City Manager Doug Lewis, Waite Hill Chief of Police Carl Dondorfer, and Mentor City Councilperson Scott Marn.
Following the end of the luncheon, the winners of UWLC’s summer raffle to benefit Lake County residents in need was held. The ten finalists in the running to win their choice of a 2023 Nissan Sentra SV or $15,000, both compliments of Mentor Nissan, were selected by Campaign Chair Richard Selby during a live Facebook drawing held August 25, 2023.
The finalists on-hand at the event each randomly selected a key fob for their chance at winning. Finalists included Brian Burka, Carolyn Coatoam, Brian Falkowski, Christopher Galloway, Eric Kaleal, Mary Lanham, Maria Manocchio, Harry Oschip, Melissa Rostedt, and Becky Sackett. One by one, each took a turn at starting the car until the ignition was started by Judge Paul Malchesky, a stand-in for winner Christopher Galloway, Lake County Treasurer.
The winner of the secondary contest for $1,000 was Leah Edgell.
Those interested in making a gift to UWLC’s 2023 Campaign to impact the lives of Lake County children, families, and seniors in need may do so online at uwlc.org/give or by mailing a check payable to United Way of Lake County to 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, OH 44060, ATT: Community Impact.