Music, entertainment, food and even a few clowns drew people to the Trumbull County United Way's "Rally by the River" Thursday evening at the Warren Community Amphitheatre.

The free community event was held to launch the agency's 2003 fund-raising campaign.

Agency officials said they hope to raise $2.5 million this year, which will benefit 140 area health and human service programs.

The agency assists about 137,000 people each year, or about one in three county residents, said James L. Crouse, campaign chairman.

Crouse said that even with the somewhat unstable economy, agency volunteers are hopeful they will reach their goal.