Salem Computer Center owner Frank Zamarelli said his father, big Frank, taught him to leave his community a little better than he found it.

His unending practice of that advice, and the philanthropic practices of two other local groups, the Salem High School Alumni Association and the United High School cheerleaders, were recognized recently as outstanding.

The Mahoning-Shenango Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals honored them during the 2012 National Philanthropy Day awards luncheon last month, recognizing Zamarelli and the Salem Computer Center as Outstanding Small Business, the United cheerleading squad as Outstanding Young Philanthropist and SHSAA with Special Recognition for Valley Impact.

For the 2011-2012 United cheerleaders, their efforts focused on helping one individual, former cheerleader and 2008 United graduate Alissa Boyle, who was seriously injured coming to the aid of an accident victim on the side of a Pennsylvania highway. Their Cheers for Alissa campaign, though, not only resulted in much-needed financial assistance to cover some of Boyle's medical expenses, but also brought together the entire United community for a one-day fundraising event.

In the program bio about the cheerleaders, it was noted that "when young people are faced with a great need, it might be easy for them to say that the problem is too large and their resources are too limited to make a difference. But the cheerleading squad at United High School did not focus on the size of the problem. Rather, they focused on what they could do to find a solution."

"We're proud of them," United High School Principal Bill Young said.

He said much like Alissa's positive outlook about what she was facing, "Cheers for Alissa was a positive, uplifting way of letting her know the people in the community were there for her."

With help from cheerleading coaches Renee Congo and Stacey Zines, the cheerleaders put together activities other students would support and came up with a plan the whole community and people in other communities could support. The day-long Cheers for Alissa event included a silent auction, bake sale, face painting, corn hole tournament,, basketball throw, soccer kicking contest and manicures and pedicures provided by a local salon.

Young said they came up with a pretty novel idea and it was an honor for them to be recognized. He said their leadership is to be commended.

"Cheers for Alissa grew to involve the entire community, but it started with the energy and determination of the United cheerleading squad - a great example of young philanthropists," the program bio said.

Continue reading here:
Groups honored for philanthropy