United Way of Mid Coast Maine kicked off its 2022 annual Campaign for the community Thursday. The theme for this year’s campaign is “You Belong. Let’s LIVE UNITED.”

Campaign Chair Mara Pennell, vice president of Commercial Lending for Bath Savings, said the message of belonging is important. “United Way works to advance the best start for children, financial stability, and healthy community connections for every single person in our communities,” said Pennell. “And United Way does this by enlisting the generosity and power of all of us – not just the wealthy, not just people in high positions, but all of us – to make life better for all of us.

“United Way is where everyone belongs.”

The Campaign goal is to raise $1,650,000 to improve people’s lives in Brunswick, Harpswell, Sagadahoc and Lincoln counties. United Way supports creative initiatives and 36 local non-profit agencies that provide people with food, homelessness prevention, free clinics, prescription assistance, literacy, senior services, childcare, youth mentoring, and more. Last year over 20,000 Midcoast residents were helped.

In early results, Pennell was especially pleased to announce a generous new corporate gift from SaviLinx on Brunswick Landing, a new employee campaign at Crooker that raised over $5,000, and increased giving among school employees at AOS 98 and RSU 1. United Way Board and Campaign Cabinet members, staff, and Loaned Executives united in giving over $35,000 to the Campaign. Sustained Givers at Bath Iron Works who give 1% or more of their pay year in and year out, and some other individuals have already donated, as have corporate supporters Bank of America and Casco Bay Title. To date $80,000 has been raised, or 5% of the goal.

Pennell had a special message for people outside of workplaces, who may work from home, are in business for themselves, are retired or simply live here: “Your giving is absolutely critical to this Campaign for our community. You don’t need to wait to be asked – we’re asking now! You can call us, give online at uwmcm.org, text “DONATE2UW” to 41444, or send a donation to United Way at 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath. Thank you in advance! You’ll be helping your neighbors.” 

The Kick-off celebration at the Bath Golf Club was sponsored by Mid Coast - Parkview Health. Mara Pennell introduced United Way’s Director of Development, Nicole Evans, new Fundraising and Communications coordinator Claire Papell, and the Campaign volunteer “Cabinet.” Cabinet members include immediate past Chairs Bob and Barb McCue, BIW Chair Karianne Merry, Tara McCannell and Cindy Tucci of L.L.Bean, Steve Bailey of the Maine School Management Association, Patrick Manuel of RSU 1, Barbara Tuttle of Bath Savings, Karry Kane of Norway Savings Bank, Kelly Creamer of LincolnHealth, and Chris Szalay of SEARCH – Greater Bath and Lincoln County.

Three “Loaned Executives” who will work every day on the Campaign for the next 10 weeks were also introduced and thanked: Mike Cunningham of Hannaford, Kayla DeVito of L.L. Bean, and Tara McCannell, also loaned to United Way from L.L. Bean.

More information on United Way’s results in improving lives can be found at www.uwmcm.org.