Local News

United Way galvanizes community to action in Jefferson County

STEUBENVILLE -- Following breakfast and brief remarks, a fleet of volunteers traveled to nine local sites to perform community service as part of the United Way of Jefferson County's 2024 Day of Action and Campaign Kickoff Thursday morning.

"You're in here today for the right reason: To help our community grow," said Ted Gorman, president of the United Way's board of directors, to the more than 100 individuals gathered in the JeffCo Workshop Event Center.

The yearly event galvanizes individuals and organizations to help with various community service projects, explained United Way Executive Director Laura Rauch. The event also initiates the year's fundraising campaign, through which the United Way seeks to raise $325,000 to support its 13 partnered nonprofits that serve disadvantaged populations.

"You all being here today shows that you have the desire to assist the United Way in our mission of providing the tools needed to support our agencies and what they have to offer," Rauch said.

She added, "We ask that you consider giving a gift to the United Way of Jefferson County by donating online, through the mail or stopping by our office."

Honored at this year's event was Ken Perkins, president of Tri-State Financial Services and former United Way board member.

Born and raised in Youngstown, Perkins moved to Steubenville in 1991 while the agency president of MetLife's Ohio Valley branch. He "saw something special" in Steubenville and wanted to be active there, Rauch said, and he began involvement with Jefferson County's United Way, having previous experience with the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.

Perkins' first community outreach effort in Jefferson County was activating a workplace campaign, with MetLife matching all contributions. He became more steadily involved, leading allocations hearings and increasing local businesses' involvement. Perkins chaired the United Way's special events committee, having a hand in the agency's sports auction, poker run and other initiatives.

A former board president, Perkins and his wife, Becky, have remained a friend of the agency, Rauch said. Most recently, they donated the United Way's current building at 511 N. Fourth St., Steubenville, which Rauch said is valued at over $100,000.

"It's very obvious that Ken cares deeply about our mission to support our 13 local agencies," Rauch said. "We're so grateful for his years of service, not only to the United Way but to our community, and we want to thank you for being an inspiration to others and serving our community."

Perkins, who noted being "shocked" when he was made this year's honoree, thanked those who volunteered to do community service.

"Three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars -- that's a lot of money to raise," Perkins said, "and you guys are not only showing your support of the United Way, but now you're letting other people see you out in the environment working."

Joined by his wife, Perkins started the United Way's fundraising campaign with a gift, giving Gorman a check for $1,500.

Separately, longtime United Way board member Laurel McDowell reflected on the Day of Action, calling it one of her favorite events and noting that it "connects the business world with the community."

"One of the great advantages of the event is that a lot of businesspeople aren't aware of what goes on in the community and what the needs are. Some of them learn about agencies that they then continue to support after this day because they gain a passion for the organization. It opens their eyes ... (to) the needs of the community and how different agencies are trying to meet those. Everybody struggles, that's why we (the United Way) exist -- to support our member agencies and help them be successful in serving the communities in Jefferson County."

Before sending out volunteers to their assignments, Rauch acknowledged the event's committee, as well as the United Way's staff, volunteers and board.

One of the community service locations was the Sycamore Youth Center, noted Michelle Clum, programming coordinator for the Ohio Valley Youth Network, which operates the Steubenville youth center. Occupying a 175-year-old building and seeing lots of wear from kids, the center often needs repairs, Clum said.

This isn't Sycamore's first time receiving help from Day of Action volunteers, but the help is needed and appreciated, Clum said, adding that the center is always looking for individuals to help with building maintenance.

Among volunteers was a group representing the Toronto-based TIMET, which individuals said has been participating in the Day of Action for a number of years. The volunteers helped paint a handicap accessible ramp at Urban Mission Ministries' War Memorial Building.

"We're always looking forward to giving back to the community," said Storm Allese.

"We look forward to continuing to do this," added Aubrey Saner. "We're grateful that TIMET lets us come out and volunteer."

Breakfast was catered by Scaffidi's Restaurant and Tavern and served by members of the Wintersville Woman's Club.