United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s fundraising Campaign to improve local people’s lives met its goal, successfully raising $1,933,352. The fundraising goal was $1,930,000.

“This was a squeaker,” said Campaign Chairman Vin DiCara at the Campaign Finale. “What a great achievement, by so many people, to reach this goal for our community. Thank you to everyone who gave to this campaign — people who gave for the first time, people who renewed or increased their giving, and people who have been giving for 50 years.

“It takes all of you — all of us — to make this campaign a success, and to make this community a success.”

DiCara noted that as is customary the number includes gifts that are anticipated to come by the end of the year, and those gifts are definitely needed. Donations can be sent to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530 (207-443-9752). All individuals in Midcoast Maine are included in the community effort and encouraged to give. More information on United Way’s results in improving lives can be found at www.uwmcm.org.

Lincoln County people involved in the United Way campaign include Campaign Director Tom Blatz of Wiscasset, Ann Angell of Damariscotta, Loaned Executive Gabrielle DiPerri of Wiscasset, Campaign Cabinet member Charlie Ault of Damariscotta and Mechanics Savings, and Teresa and Peter Fogg of Fogg Art Painting, Restoration and Custom Framing in Wiscasset, who were thanked for their beautiful work on United Way’s awards.

Le Garage restaurant of Wiscasset won a Commerce and Industry Division Award at United Way’s Finale. “Cheryl Rust, owner of Le Garage is truly committed to United Way,” said L.L.Bean Loaned Executive Suzanne LeBlanc in presenting the award. “Le Garage is the only restaurant that does an employee campaign, and almost all employees gave, contributing $1,200! Le Garage also gives a very generous corporate gift, and the restaurant participated in the Extra Helping fundraising event for United Way. Thank you, Cheryl and staff, for your enthusiastic participation in our campaign.”

Award winner Healthy Kids of Damariscotta set an example for running a great United Way campaign, including in-depth discussion and leadership giving, even when a workplace is very small and people already have some knowledge of United Way.

“Healthy Kids has just two people on staff, but exemplifies what a United Way Partner is,” said Loaned Executive Erin Meyers in presenting the Public Service Division Award. Healthy Kids’ mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect in Lincoln County, and to encourage, support and promote healthy family environments.

Other agencies serving Lincoln County residents that are funded by the United Way campaign include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine, Coastal Kids Preschool, Central Lincoln County YMCA, ElderCare Network of Lincoln County, the Food Security Coalition of local pantries through MCHPP, Lincoln Academy School Based Health Clinic, Mobius, New Hope for Women, Teen and Young Parent Program, Spectrum Generations — Meals on Wheels, Tri-County Literacy, Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine, and more.

Bath Savings Institution and Bath Savings Trust Company, with branches in Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta, won the overall Campaign Excellence Award for, as DiCara said, “all you have done and continue to do for the community.”

Employee participation for United Way was a remarkable 97 percent. Rallies, including food, were held at every branch. All of United Way’s best practices were used, and the bank had several incentives. President Glenn Hutchinson announced that the bank would match any new or increased employee giving, which resulted in $4,000 increases in both employee and corporate giving.

Total giving at Bath Iron Works was over $731,000, by far the largest amount of any Midcoast organization, and the employees and company were thanked by DiCara and the Finale attendees. The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Joel Wegner of Five County Credit Union.

United Way’s mission is “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.” Approximately 20,000 Midcoast residents were helped last year by United Way and its 37 local partner agencies.