The United Way of Mid Coast Maine launched its annual campaign on Sept. 10 at an outside event at the Maine Maritime Museum with guests from Bath Iron Works, Mid Coast-Park View Health, Lincoln Health, Bath Savings, and some of United Way’s partner agencies, staff, loaned executives, and board members.

“We have an awesome team in place this year and we also have a lot of hope” said Tom Blatz, campaign director, “I am always amazed at the generosity of people and the willingness to help each other, and this is reflected in the campaign. We look forward to a successful campaign this year because of the fantastic volunteer team we have in place.”

This year United Way of Mid Coast Maine welcomes three loaned executives to their team: Nina Bergendoff joins them again for a second year in a row, with Tara McCannell from L.L. Bean and Denise White, recently of Pine Tree Society. The laned executive program is vitally important to the campaign and achieving success in reaching the annual goal.

This year’s campaign goal is $1,725,000. The Campaign is co-chaired by Bob and Barb McCue, both retired from Mid Coast-Parkview Health, and Mara Pennell of Bath Savings is vice chair. The campaign cabinet members this year are: Steve Bailey (Maine School Management Assoc.), Nina Bergendoff, Sam Chard (L.L. Bean), Kelly Creamer (LincolnHealth), Karry Kane (Norway Savings), Jon Larssen (MCPH), Jonathan Pelletier (BIW), Chris Szalay (SEARCH), Stephanie Therrien (BIW), Cindy Tucci (L.L. Bean), and Barbara Tuttle (Bath Savings).

“This fall we’re hoping for a better tomorrow,” said Barb and Bob McCue, addressing the gathering. “We’re not there yet, but we can build toward it, always keeping in mind our United Way goals: that all our neighbors deserve to be financially stable, we all should feel safe, healthy, and connected to our community, and we want all our children to have the best possible start in life.”

United Way of Mid Coast Maine supports 47 programs at 36 local non-profit agencies that provide immediate, practical help for Mid Coast residents through programs that help them improve their education, basic needs, and health. Last year, United Way of Mid Coast Maine and their partner agencies helped more than 25,000 people with housing, food access, prescription assistance, literacy, senior services, childcare, and tax preparation, in addition to many other ways.

The 2021 United Way Campaign Kickoff is sponsored by Mid Coast Hospital. To contribute to the Campaign, text DONATE2UW to 41444.

For more information, call 207-443-9752 or visit https://www.uwmcm.org.