NILES, Ohio – Community leaders, educators, nonprofit partners, volunteers and supporters gathered Thursday at the Eastwood Event Centre for the United Way of Trumbull County’s annual meeting and luncheon, where the organization celebrated the collective impact being made throughout the county while looking ahead to future opportunities to strengthen the community.

This year’s theme, Making Our Mark, was inspired by the children’s book “The Dot” and reflected the importance of taking small steps that inspire others to create positive change. The theme also highlighted United Way’s commitment to investing in children and building stronger communities through education, literacy, basic needs support and family stability.

Artwork created by Warren City Schools students was displayed throughout the event, demonstrating how individual contributions can come together to create something meaningful. Krista Kohut, art teacher at Willard PK-8, shared how approximately 50 students collaborated to create a large octopus artwork using aluminum can lids produced by Novelis, a global leader in aluminum rolling and recycling with operations in Trumbull County.

Attendees were also invited to participate in the theme by writing on the back of colorful circles representing “dots,” sharing how they plan to make their mark in the coming year. Together, the circles formed the United Way logo as a visual representation of collective community impact.

Also during the event, several individuals and organizations were recognized by Melissa Maki, United Way of Trumbull County board chair, and Christine Cope, CEO of the United Way of Trumbull County, for their outstanding support and commitment to the community. The awards and recipients are:

  • Give Award: 717 Credit Union.
  • Give Award: Greg and Alice Greenwood.
  • Advocate Award: Bill Ayres, Kent State University at Trumbull.
  • Volunteer Award: Foxconn, for providing more volunteers than any other organization.
  • Volunteer Award: Howmet, for providing volunteers for extensive yard work projects benefiting seniors and veterans.
  • Give Advocate Volunteer Award (highest annual honor – for profit organization): Ultium Cells.
  • Give Advocate Volunteer Award (highest annual honor – government/nonprofit category): Warren City Schools.
  • Small Business of the Year: Advanced Technology Partners.
  • Good Guy Award: Cynthia Cairns, Southwoods Health.
  • Good Guy Award: Ken McBride, HD Growth Partners.
  • Legacy Award: Bob Nemeth, Stanwade Metal Products.
  • Longest Running Workplace Campaign Recognition: 717 Credit Union and Diane Sauer Chevrolet.
From left are Christine Cope, CEO of the United Way of Trumbull County; Dominick Brown, plant planner at Ultium Cells; and Melissa Maki, United Way of Trumbull County board chair.

“Together, we are making a lasting mark on our community by investing in people, supporting children and families and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive,” Cope said.

United Way also recognized the sponsors whose support helped make the event possible, including annual sponsor WesBanco, along with the Cafaro Foundation, Farmers National Bank, Advanced Technology Partners, Novelis and Brilliant Media.

Pictured at top: Melissa Maki and John Demmler, CEO of 717 Credit Union.