16-03-2025
CDC's 2025 campaign going well
The Civic Development Corporation's 2025 fundraising campaign is going well, with 73% of the $1.5 million goal raised so far.
CDC Executive Director Amanda Tirotta said fundraising has gone well.
'We've had some conversations with some donors, and we're starting to expand our employee campaign, which is exciting,' she said.
The CDC has received a lot of positive feedback about the campaign.
'There's a lot of excitement about all of the projects,' Tirotta said. 'Most of the feedback's been about the playground. We're really excited, and can't wait to see what's going to happen about that.'
The projects included in this year's campaign are a playground in Jefferson, expansion and renovation of the Ashtabula Arts Center, marina infrastructure for the Conneaut Port Authority, an outdoor learning lab for the Ashtabula Area City Schools, Pickleball courts for Conneaut Township Park, a pocket park on Main Avenue in Ashtabula, new fitness equipment and amenities for the Ashtabula YMCA, and work on Carraher Field for Geneva Little League.
The theme of this year's campaign is Embrace.
'We're happy to bring these projects to Ashtabula County,' Tirotta said. 'Of course, our board's been working hard at making contacts and getting donors to contribute and participate in Campaign 2025.'
She said the CDC based this year's campaign on the results of a community assessment.
'They said they wanted to embrace what Ashtabula County was about,' Tirotta said. 'They wanted more opportunities here, and they wanted to embrace what we had here, and what was beautiful, and have more opportunities for family and fun and growth and communities and our future.
'So that's how our slogan was picked for this campaign. And so, we think with all these great projects, we're accomplishing that.'
The CDC has had 13 successful fundraising campaigns since the organization was founded in 1959, she said.
'Alone, we can't really achieve these goals, but together, we can make a really huge difference and impact in the county,' Tirotta said. 'We appreciate everyone's support, no donation is too little.'
She said the CDC counts on everyone to achieve its campaign goals.
'Fundraising is easy when you know you're not just asking for a donation — you're asking for an investment. Every dollar given to CDC is a return on your money,' Donny Chaplin, Grand River Rubber and Plastics President and Embrace co-chair, said in a press release. 'You see the impact, you see the results, and you see that CDC delivers on its promises. These projects aren't just ideas; they become lasting parts of our community for years to come. It's a donation you can be proud of.'
Anyone interested in hosting an employee campaign or presentation can call Tirotta at 440-992-2336, or email her at info@
For more information on the campaign or to donate, visit
