FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

United Way Campaign Aims for $725,000 Goal

Community is Encouraged to "LIVE UNITED"

Chillicothe, OH (October 7, 2009)

With awareness heightened by its "Live United, Dine United" restaurant campaign and the recent Community Day celebration in Yoctangee Park, United Way of Ross County is actively engaged in contacting local businesses and individuals to raise funds for the 2009 Community Campaign. Representing five campaign divisions, more than 100 volunteers are working to raise $725,000 in pledges and donations to fund programs provided by 17 local partner agencies.

Campaign leadership: Community Co-Chairs Wayne and Robin Holland Wayne, who is retired from Kenworth Truck Company, and Robin were honored earlier this year as recipients of the Chillicothe Jaycees' "Outstanding Citizens of the Year" award in recognition of their volunteer service to several community non-profit organizations. Community Vice Chairs are Meredith Tomlinson and Marsha Wagner, both of Huff Realty.

Division Leadership:

• Manufacturing: Chair Linda Madison, Kenworth Truck Company; Vice Chair Angie Speakman, Glatfelter;
• Retail/Services: Chair Steve Piekarski, Financial Wellness, LLC; Vice Chair John Williamson, Mossy Oak Farm, LLC;
• Public Service: Chair Dallas J. Love, Jr., Daymar College; Vice Chair Tamra Lowe, EEO officer, City of Chillicothe;
• Professional: Chair Jay Seigneur, Whited Seigneur Sams & Rahe CPA; Vice Chair Brandon Chester, OD, Chester Eye Center;
• Community: Chair Misty Tuttle, Horizon; Vice Chair Emily Young, Petland, Inc.

Despite the impact of current economic conditions, the United Way executive committee chose to retain last year's campaign goal in hopes of meeting increased needs, said Mary Elsass, executive director. "We are aware of the challenges our donors are facing, but we also have experienced their generosity, especially in difficult times," she explained.

"United Way's 'Live United' message encourages everyone to join in efforts to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community," Elsass said. "We are all connected and interdependent. We all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, when people are healthy."

United Way of Ross County works to match community resources with community needs by raising awareness and funds for programs provided by 17 local partner agencies:

• Altar, Inc.
• American Red Cross, First Capital District Chapter 
• Assistance House 
• Bainbridge Senior Citizens 
• Boy Scouts, Simon Kenton Council 
• Carver Community Center 
• Child Protection Center 
• Community Action Emergency Shelter for Men
• Frankfort Senior Citizens 
• Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council
• Goodwill Industries 
• Reinstorm Therapeutic Riding Center
• Ross County Coalition Against Domestic Violence 
• Salvation Army 
• South Central Ohio Big Brothers/Big Sisters
• YMCA of Ross County 
• Youth Crime Watch of Chillicothe