United Way of Greater Stark County Volunteer – Women United Steering Committee & 2019 Campaign Cabinet member
Diane and her husband started volunteering for United Way of Greater Stark County because of an invite from Mark and Tonya Wright, 2019 United Way Campaign Co-chairs.
Education is one of the three impact areas for United Way programs and it resonates strongly with Diane because of her mentoring time with middle school children and the Anti-Virus Youth Character Program.
“When I first started volunteering with United Way, I was truly surprised by how much real need there is in our community. Every time I volunteer or work on a project, I get that moment of truth – it’s far bigger than anything I can do alone.
Having grown up in Canton, it’s important for me to do my part in taking care of this community. I will continue to give back and hope to inspire others to do so as well.”
Diane and her husband have supported United Way for many years.
“Our beliefs align with the mission of what United Way does in our community.
We just had a meeting and recapped the Power of the Purse Leadership Appreciation Event that was held on September 10th at Gervasi Vineyard. Gervasi donated the event and it was filled with delicious food and drink. It was a powerful gathering with 130 women in attendance. Admission to get in was a gently used/new purse filled with toiletries to be given to women in need in Stark County. We collected more than 130 purses, as women brought more than one purse to donate. Five strong, successful local women entrepreneurs spoke and shared their stories of how their journey led them to their success. In addition, we had 9 other successful women share their stories in print. Madeline Stoffer came in from Brooklyn to sing her original music for us. The energy in the room that evening was incredible!”
She wishes others knew and could see the real impact that United Way has on the members of our community.
Volunteering has opened her eyes to how many programs are available to help support individuals and families in our community.
“I am inspired and grateful for the incredible men and women volunteering to make Stark County stronger.”
In the next 5 years, she believes our community’s needs will continue to grow and organizations like United Way will be critical to the overall health and wellness of our community.
“There is a lot people can do to give back. I believe it is a personal decision for them to make and I respect it. Volunteering fulfills a personal desire to give back to the community I grew up in, so I can’t really imagine not volunteering.”
Want to help your community and be more involved in United Way? Donate your time and talent through some of our volunteer opportunities.
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Diane Pete was born and raised in Canton, Ohio and married her high school sweetheart, Kevin Pete. They have two daughters, Danielle (24) and Isabella (21) and a little Yorkie, Samson.
Being creative at heart, she worked as a hair stylist before joining the sales team at Paul Mitchell.
Her sister, Sara Slates, and brother, Pete Eliades, have influenced her life the most.
“We lost our parents at a young age, and they raised me to be the woman I am today. I am very grateful for them.”
Her background is in planning events and mentoring middle school children.
Previous Volunteer Activities:
- Once her and Kevin started a family, Diane began to volunteer in the schools. She enjoyed planning parties, picnics and field days for the whole school.
- In 2009, Diane joined the Aultman Women’s Board
- In 2011, she co-chaired the Angel Auction with Darlene Violet
- In 2015, Diane co-chaired the Wilderness Center auction with her husband, Kevin.
- Volunteered Meals on Wheels auction, Refuge of Hope auction, Angels on the Runway fashion show
- Assisted on committees with multiple Angel Auctions since joining the Aultman Women’s Board
- Happy Activist for Live Happy, celebrating the International Day of Happiness on March 20 every year
Current Volunteer Activities:
- Working for Leaders Edge as an Anti-Virus Youth Mentor providing character and leadership development education for middle school.
- Mentoring at North Canton Middle School and Edison Middle School.
She enjoys exercising at Orangetheory, Hot Yoga at Yoga Strong, biking, hiking, knitting, thrift shopping with her daughters, and spending time with my family and friends.
Diane’s friends and family call her positive, optimistic, driven, empathetic, empowering and loving. She is afraid of heights and scary movies and always ready to have some fun.