United Way of Mid Coast Maine kicked off its fall Campaign Wednesday, Sept. 11 with a goal of raising $1,800,000 to help local people in need, and a theme of “People Power for Local Change!”

Campaign Chair Steve Bailey, former superintendent of AOS 93 and current executive director of the Maine School Management Association, urged all community members to give. “The only way 25,000 people get the help they need each year is because thousands of individual people decide to act on their compassion, donate to United Way’s campaign, and put their donation to work alongside their coworkers, friends, and neighbors’ gifts,” said Bailey.

Bailey urged all workplaces to have in-person United Way meetings, use best practices, and have fun, announcing a new doughnut-delivery prize for the workplace that creates the best photo or video illustrating “People Power.

“It’s also very important that we increase giving from retirees, individual professionals, and others giving outside the workplace,” said Bailey. “You are a very important part of this community and this campaign. Thank you in advance for giving more generously than ever, to change more lives for the better!” Anyone not reached by a workplace campaign can send a donation to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530. People can also call 207-443-9752 or go online at uwmcm.org to give monthly or one-time by credit card or ask to be billed. 

United Way focuses on three core areas: Healthier, More Connected Lives, Improved Economic Stability, and the Best Start for our Children. Donations fund vital services at local partner agencies including Central Lincoln County YMCA, Lincoln County Dental, Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, Coastal Kids Preschool, Healthy Kids, Mobius, New Hope for Women, Spectrum Generations – Meals on Wheels, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Catholic Charities SEARCH, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Midcoast Literacy, and many more.

Among the Campaign “Cabinet” volunteers this year are Chris Szalay of SEARCH and Wiscasset, and Kelly Creamer of LincolnHealth.

Early “Pacesetter” Campaign results were announced at the kick-off. All-staff United Way meetings were held at many local school districts, including a new campaign at AOS 98, the Boothbay area schools, as well as AOS 93, RSU 1, MSAD 75, and Brunswick Schools. Several companies gave early “Pacesetter” corporate gifts, including L.L. Bean, Midcoast Federal Credit Union, and Norway Savings. 100% of United Way Board, Campaign Cabinet, and staff members have pledged to the Campaign.

This year’s Loaned Executives, helping full-time on the campaign over the next 10 weeks, include: Lisa Richards of L.L. Bean, Greyson Locke of Bath Iron Works and BMDA, and Peter McNamara of Norway Savings Bank.

Bailey thanked LL Bean, Amtrak Downeaster, Dead River Company, Wayfair, and Hannaford for donating campaign incentives for new and increased giving.

Bailey announced that as of the kick-off, the campaign has raised $261,107 or 14.5% of the Goal. The Campaign Finale is Nov. 6 at Bowdoin College. More information on United Way’s results in improving lives can be found at www.uwmcm.org