United Way of Wayne and Holmes Annual Meeting and Awards

Carrolyn Salazar • April 21, 2021

Wooster, Ohio (April 20, 2021) – United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties (UWWH) hosted their 2020 Annual Meeting as a drive-thru event this year with Omahoma Bob’s BBQ providing the food and Certified Angus Beef sponsoring the event. The Annual Meeting was the first of its kind and was a time to thank their donors, board members and award winners.


“Our staff continues to think strategically and creatively during this pandemic to make the best of each event. Last year the event was completely virtual. This year, a drive-thru event and, next year the hope will be to have it in person.” said Stewart Fitz Gibbon the UWWH outgoing Board President. “We are grateful to all of the donors who attended and a big congratulations to the award winners.”


This year three board members were honored as their term ended: Dan Calvin, Marc Harvey, and Jennifer Fox. Five new board members were inducted: Robert Dodaro, Arianna Liggett, Kevin McAllister, Eric Michener and Bryan Sallee.


This year’s award winners, were chosen based on award criteria set forth by United Way of Wayne and Holmes:


The prestigious award The Stanleys Cup, which is named after two philanthropic leaders- the late Stanley Gault and the late Stanley Welty Jr. was presented to MCTV. MCTV stepped up in a pandemic to not only support UWWH in a big way, but also to offer free internet to people in need. Without MCTV UWWH would not be able to offer WHIRE (Wayne. Holmes Information. Referral. Exchange.) to the citizens of our counties.


Other Awards:

2020 Ambassador of the Year- Pat Simpson from United Titanium


Rookie Ambassador of the Year- Ann Margaret Peters-Ahedo of Schaeffler Group


2020 Volunteers of the Year Award- Cheryl Gooch and Barb Basler


United Way Special Event Award- Trisha Ross, Western Reserve Group


United Way Spirit Award- PNC Bank


Rising Star Award- McClintock Electric


2020 Non-Profit Campaign Award- Goodwill Industries of Wayne and Holmes Counties Inc.


Corporate Capita Award for 1 to 50 Employees- Albright Welding Supply, Inc.


Corporate Per Capita Award for 51 to 150 Employees- PNC


Corporate Per Capita for 151+ Employees- Seaman Corporation


Employee Per Capita 1 to 50- Long, Cook & Samsa, Inc.


Employee Per Capita 51 to 150- United Titanium, Inc.


Employee Per Capita 151+ - Cleveland Clinic Wooster


100% Employee Campaign Participation Award:



Anazao

NAMI Wayne and Holmes

OHUDDLE

People to People Ministries

Whitaker-Myers Group

Wooster Hydrostatics

Viola Startzman Clinic

What I learned at the Gas Station Counter; how my daily routine turned into a moment of compassion

By Katie Koglman • August 22, 2025
If you know me, you know I love my Coke Zero. Every day, like clockwork, I stop at the local gas station to fill my jumbo cup with ice and fizzy joy. It’s a small routine, but one that I look forward to. Last week, as I stepped up to the counter, I noticed the young woman working that morning was gently rubbing her temples, clearly in pain. I paused and asked, “Are you okay?” Her eyes welled up a little as she explained that she had a broken tooth. The pain was constant, and she didn’t have the money to see a dentist. My heart ached for her. I asked if she had transportation, and when she said yes, I told her about the Viola Startzman Clinic in Wooster — a place that offers affordable dental care for people just like her. She blinked in surprise. She had no idea it even existed. I scribbled down the phone number and urged her to call right away. She held the paper like it was gold. Then she looked at me and said, “You’re a Godsend.” As I walked back to my car, I thought about how it only took a minute — one question, one small effort — to change someone’s day, maybe even their life. There were other people in that store. They hadn’t noticed. But I did. And I’m so glad I did. We live in a community rich with resources. But the truth is, people in pain don’t always know where to turn. Sometimes, all they need is a little nudge in the right direction. A moment of kindness. A reminder that someone sees them. This young woman is doing her best, working hard, and showing up every day — even through the pain. She deserved help. And I’m thankful I could offer it. If you ever meet someone who’s struggling, don’t hesitate. Let them know about 2-1-1 — our local, 24/7 resource hotline. One simple call to (330) 263-6363 connects them to a live operator who can guide them toward the help they need. Because kindness costs nothing, but it can mean everything. And here’s the beautiful part — donations made to United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties help make all of this possible. Your support funds the Viola Startzman Dental Clinic, the 2-1-1 resource hotline, and so many other programs that offer real help to real people. When you give, you’re not just donating — you’re changing lives.

Crayons, Compassion & Community: My First Month at United Way

By Ashley Hershberget • August 19, 2025
Crayons, Compassion & Community: My First Month at United Way

Celebrating 30 Years of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

By Kayley Cox • July 1, 2025
Celebrating 30 Years of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library This year, I was honored to attend the virtual Homecoming Conference celebrating the 30th anniversary of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library . As the Local Program Partner that fundraises for our program in Holmes and Wayne Counties, I was excited to participate—even if I was a little disappointed the event wasn’t held in person at Dollywood. Still, I committed to making the most of the experience by actively engaging in sessions and discussions throughout the event. The conference offered a wide range of sessions, from strategies to strengthen relationships with local public libraries to creative ways to boost enrollment. One of the highlights for me was connecting with fellow program partners not only from across the U.S. but also from the UK, Canada, Scotland, and Australia. It was both inspiring and energizing to share stories and best practices with peers from around the globe, all united by the same mission: to get books into the hands of children. One of the biggest takeaways from the three-day virtual event was the importance of celebrating how far we’ve come. When our United Way launched the Imagination Library in 2019, Holmes County had zero children enrolled. Today, we have 1,629 current participants and 1,362 graduates. Wayne County shows similar success, with 3,924 children currently enrolled and more than 4,100 graduates. That’s over 11,000 children who’ve been directly impacted by this program! Those numbers are impressive, but the real question is: what do they mean for our children and our community? Cincinnati Children’s Hospital reminds us that children aren’t born with a reading network—it must be built through exposure and practice. Reading aloud to young children strengthens their language development and cognitive growth. By age three, a child’s brain is already 80% developed. Imagination Library provides families with the tools to support this crucial development—at no cost to them. That’s nothing short of amazing. As the conference wrapped up, I felt refreshed, motivated, and more enthusiastic than ever about the work we’re doing. The connections I’ve made through the network of Local Program Partners have deepened my sense of support and community. This work matters. I see it in my own children who are enrolled in Imagination Library. I hear it from families across Holmes and Wayne Counties. And it’s reflected in the data for the young readers who participate in this program across the world. So, if you have a child under 5 in your life, check today that they are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. And if they aren’t enrolled, sign them up today! Go to www.uwwh.org/get-books It’s free, fulfilling, and most importantly, it’s fun 😊.
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