(New Philadelphia, Ohio) – The United Way’s annual fundraising campaign, which supports 19 local health and human service programs, officially kicks off this month.

While fundraising efforts look much different this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the need remains the same. “2020 has been anything but normal,” explained UWTC President Robin Waltz. “Each year this campaign ensures critical resources can continue to be provided to our neighbors here in the Tuscarawas Valley and that need has never been greater.”

Bob Alsept has been tapped to chair the 2020 campaign for the United Way of Tuscarawas County. “I am excited and honored to lead the United Way campaign for 2020! This year has seen unparalleled challenges for individuals, families, and organizations and United Way has answered that call. The strength of a community is judged by its ability to pull together during times of crisis. The United Way has been a constant fixture in our fight to support and improve the living conditions for all in Tuscarawas County, especially during times of crisis. It is my sincere hope that this campaign will allow the residents, businesses, and organizations of Tuscarawas County to shine like never before. Please join us in this campaign!”

Alsept, a resident of New Philadelphia, is completing his sixth year as the superintendent of Buckeye Career Center. Prior to BCC, Alsept served as superintendent of New Philadelphia City Schools for five years as well as other various positions within the New Philadelphia City School district for a total of 19 years. Currently, Alsept is the Vice-Chair for the United Way Tuscarawas County Board. He and his wife, Lisa, are the parents of Aleia and Alexa.

This year, Alsept will be working alongside assistant campaign chair, Dean of Kent State University at Tuscarawas, Bradley Bielski. Bielski serves as the Secretary of the United Way of Tuscarawas County.

UWTC is asking for the community’s continued support by investing in the organization’s mission to continue to support health and human service programs in Tuscarawas County in addition to various special grants. Each investment helps the organization continue to build a sustainable community for everyone.

Assisting Alsept and Bielski as campaign solicitors are: Jennifer Jones, Aultman Healthcare Delivery System; Bruce James, Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital; Tammy Curry, DoverPhila Federal Credit Union; Tiffany Kail, First Federal Community Bank; Steve Coutts, First National Bank of Dennison; Andrew Wright, Hanhart Insurance Agency; Michele Lieser, McInturf Realty; Darlene Finzer and Paul McEwan, Rea & Associates; Elaine Tedrow, The Commercial & Savings Bank; Jeanne Stephen, Tuscarawas County Clerk of Courts; Elizabeth Stephenson, Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas; Rick Andrews, Troyer & Associates, Inc; Chris Lane, Wendy’s; Jack Dooling, Agnes Swigart and Kristin Zemis, Community Volunteers.

For more information or to make a donation visit tuscunitedway.org.