Married United Way of Mid Coast Maine co-chairpersons Lennie Burke and Bob Beaumont announced that United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s Campaign so far has raised $1,147,618 or 60 percent of its $1,900,000 goal.

United Way’s campaign helps over 5,000 Lincoln County residents a year, through important services at local partner agencies such as Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA, Coastal Kids Preschool, Lincoln Academy School Based Health Clinic, Healthy Kids, Mobius, Inc., New Hope for Women, the Teen and Young Parent Program, Spectrum Generations, and Tri-County Literacy.

“We’ve seen some great results so far and we thank all the volunteers who have worked so hard and especially thank our donors,” said Burke and Beaumont, who wore one extra-large “Live United” T-shirt between them at United Way’s Campaign Update Breakfast to underscore the campaign’s “Together We Can” theme. They also noted that there is lost ground to make up because of some major donors who were not able to maintain their levels of giving this year.

“Our message to everyone in Mid Coast Maine who has not yet given is: We need you, we need you, we need you!” said Burke. Bringing out a stool she had brought from home, she stood on it saying: “we have to step it up!” The Campaign Finale is Nov. 12.

Midcoast residents were urged to pick up the phone and call United Way at 207-443-9752, or send a donation to 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath. “There’s nothing that will make you feel better about your important part in this community, and nothing that will do more good for others,” said Beaumont.

This year, residential donors who make a new gift of $200 or more, increase previous giving by $200, or go to the next-highest leadership giving level ($500, $1000, etc.), will have their increase matched by a special gift for United Way’s Early Childhood work from longtime supporters Sandy Morrell Rooney and Chuck Rooney.

“We thank Sandy and Chuck, and hope lots of residential donors will take advantage of this great opportunity to make their increase count for twice as much!” said Burke. More information on United Way’s results in improving lives and this year’s seven-minute local video, featuring a Waldoboro veteran served by Spectrum Generations’ Meals on Wheels program, can be found at www.uwmcm.org.

Some highlights of the campaign so far include: Lincoln Academy increasing giving by 34 percent and AOS 93 Central Lincoln County schools increasing by 82 percent, Bath Iron Works’ employees already reaching 85 percent of their goal, a new employee campaign and corporate gift from CSC, Computer Sciences Corporation, a record-breaking campaign of over $42,000 at Bath Savings Institution, and employees of many United Way partner agencies increasing their giving to United Way.