Breakfast on the Plaza: United Way of Greater Cleveland Kicks Off 2026–2027 Workplace Campaign

Breakfast on the Plaza in Downtown Cleveland

On Tuesday morning, August 11, we went to Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland. We attended “Breakfast on the Plaza,” presented by the United Way of Greater Cleveland. Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC was a partial sponsor of the event.

The gathering helped launch United Way of Greater Cleveland’s 2026–2027 workplace campaign. Several hundred people attended throughout the morning. Most were United Way supporters. However, many downtown workers also stopped by before heading to work. Others were simply visiting Playhouse Square.

The atmosphere was friendly, upbeat, and welcoming. In addition, the program included short speeches, disco music, sports personalities, local team mascots, and, of course, pancakes.

Community Support and Blessing Boxes

Nearby, a donation truck collected school supplies, personal care items, and nonperishable food. These donations supported the “Blessing Boxes” campaign.

The Cleveland Public Library launched the Blessing Boxes initiative. In fact, the library has installed about 30 boxes at branches throughout Cleveland. As a result, community members have another way to give and receive essential items.

This campaign is another example of Cleveland organizations working together to help neighbors facing difficult circumstances.

United Way Helps Immigrants and New Residents

While speaking with United Way officials, we learned more about the organization’s community partnerships. For example, United Way works closely with organizations such as the Spanish Committee and Asia, Inc.

Through these partnerships, foreign-born residents and immigrants can receive assistance after moving to the United States. Such support may include help with resettlement and connections to important community resources.

Indeed, this work reflects a central part of the United Way of Greater Cleveland mission. The organization focuses on connecting people with practical resources when they need help.

Neal Restivo Addresses Local Needs

One of the speakers at the event was Neal Restivo, CEO of Oatey and co-chair of the 2026–2027 United Way of Greater Cleveland campaign.

During his remarks, Restivo discussed the financial challenges facing many families in Northeast Ohio. He noted that nearly half of the families in Cuyahoga County struggle to consistently afford basic needs.

Those needs include food, housing, and childcare. Moreover, an unexpected expense can create even greater challenges for working families.

Restivo stressed that these families are not simply people who need to work harder. Rather, they are people who need help overcoming the challenges they face.

United Way Connects Families With Help

Restivo also described how United Way responds to these challenges. Specifically, the organization connects families with appropriate resources at the right time.

At the same time, United Way uses what it learns from those interactions to support practical solutions. These efforts can help families remain housed and keep food on the table.

Furthermore, the organization works to help people stay employed and build financial security. Ultimately, the goal is to help families move toward greater stability and opportunity.

A Positive Message for Cleveland

The message at Breakfast on the Plaza was clear. Cleveland-area families facing hardship need more than encouragement. They also need access to practical resources and meaningful support.

The event demonstrated the importance of community partnerships. Through its work with businesses, nonprofits, libraries, and other organizations, United Way of Greater Cleveland helps connect people with assistance.

For more information, visit the United Way of Greater Cleveland Breakfast on the Plaza page. You can also learn more about its workplace campaigns and community assistance efforts through the United Way of Greater Cleveland website.