United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s fall campaign succeeded in reaching its $1,750,000 goal, Chair Joel Merry announced at the Campaign Finale held at Bowdoin College. Volunteers on the Campaign “Cabinet” raised signs revealing the total number raised: $1,771,911.

United Way donations fund vital services helping residents of Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties, Brunswick and Harpswell. Partner agencies include Mobius, CLC YMCA, Coastal Kids Preschool, Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, Lincoln County Dental, Healthy Kids, Spectrum Generations’ Meals on Wheels, New Hope for Women, and many more. Together with United Way community initiatives, they help approximately 23,000 people a year with food, shelter, health care, volunteer matches for isolated seniors, Big Brothers and Big Sisters for adolescents, home visiting for new parents, high-quality child care, and much more.

Merry, Sagadahoc County sheriff, said “thank you to all of you who worked so hard on this campaign, and thank you to everyone in the community who gave!” Merry said he was so proud of the Mid Coast community, not only for their generosity in this campaign, but for all the ways in which people work together and help each other.

Merry urged anyone in Mid Coast Maine who has not yet given to do so, saying “we’re counting on end-of-year gifts to reach the number we announced.” Donations can be sent to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, Maine 04530. People can also give online at uwmcm.org/donate, or call 207-443-9752 to give by credit card or ask to be billed. LincolnHealth received United Way’s Health Division Award. In presenting the Award, Loaned Executive Cindy Heil of Southport said LincolnHealth’s employee campaign was not only successful in raising $27,000 in donations, it was also “a lot of fun….In addition to group rallies, there were breakfasts, ice cream socials, and many food-related events!” The campaign was organized by AnniPat McKinney and Kelly Creamer.

Creamer also served on United Way’s Campaign Cabinet, as did Chris Szalay of Wiscasset and Steve Bailey, former Superintendent of AOS 93, now director of the Maine School Management Association. United Way staff Campaign Director Tom Blatz is from Wiscasset.

By far the largest contributors to United Way’s annual campaign are the employees of Bath Iron Works, who received a standing ovation at the Finale. Merry gave special recognition to the campaign team of Steve Cornish, Bob Murray, John Portela, and Karen Race, who are stepping down this year from their leadership roles. “We are grateful to all BIW employees,” said Merry, “and tonight we are especially grateful to you four. You have helped thousands of people to a better life. Thank you!”

FHC in Bowdoin received United Way’s Campaign Excellence Award. “FHC exemplifies a successful campaign,” said Merry in presenting the Award. “It uses all the best practices, and more!” The company, with 75 employees, raised over $106,000 in employee and corporate giving, with 75 percent participation and 13 employees giving at leadership levels.

Additional Awards went to Hannaford (Commerce and Industry Division), Bath Savings (Finance & Professional Firms Division), and Brunswick Sewer District (Public Service Division). Other excellent campaigns were also held elsewhere.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Jenn Worthy, employee campaign manager at Mid Coast-Parkview Health. “Jenn’s enthusiasm is contagious,” said Merry. “She and her team of champions worked to find new locations around the health system where they could hold rallies, and produced a special handout featuring fellow employees volunteering and a tailored version of United Way’s video. Jenn made the hospital’s support of United Way very visible to anyone who walked in the door or even just drove down the driveway and saw the huge United Way banners….I found myself wishing that leaders from every workplace could see what excitement and inspiration is possible with a United Way campaign.”

United Way’s mission is “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.” More information on United Way’s results in improving lives, including this year’s local video, can be found at www.uwmcm.org.