At United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s public Campaign Finale, chair Steve Bailey announced that the campaign for the people of Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties, Brunswick and Harpswell, has not yet reached its goal. He thanked everyone who has already given, with a total of $1,676,591 raised to date.

“And to everyone in Midcoast Maine who has not yet given, please hear me loud and clear – it is not too late.” said Bailey. “United Way’s campaign is from all the people of the community, for all the people of our community. So please, if you have not yet sent in your donation, give or pledge right now. We all know how important this United Way is to thousands of people’s lives, and the life of the whole community.”

Donations can be sent to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530. People can also give online at uwmcm.org or call 207-443-9752 to give by credit card or ask to be billed.

Bailey thanked in advance everyone who will give or pledge by the end of the calendar year. United Way’s campaign goal was $1.8 million to help the people of Midcoast Maine. Bailey cited demographic changes with large numbers of workplace retirements as one of the reasons for the shortfall, and said generous individual giving outside of workplace campaigns is becoming increasingly important for United Way.

United Way donations fund community initiatives and vital services at 37 local partner agencies including Central Lincoln County YMCA, Coastal Kids Preschool, Lincoln County Dental, Midcoast Literacy, Mobius, New Hope for Women, Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, Healthy Kids, Spectrum Generations – Meals on Wheels, and more. Last year approximately 25,000 area residents were helped by United Way donations.

The Campaign Finale focused on celebrating “a tremendous community effort and many great results,” as Bailey noted. “The dollars raised to date represent the giving of thousands of Midcoast donors. Your generosity is deeply, deeply appreciated.”

Mobius, Inc., of Damariscotta, a United Way partner agency, won the Campaign’s Public Service Division Award for an excellent campaign. Other Division Awards went to Woodex Bearing Company (Commerce and Industry Division), RSU 1 Schools (Education Division), Bath Savings Institution and Burgess Technology Services (Finance & Professional Firms winners). Bailey gave special praise to the Bath Iron Works employee campaign – always by far the largest support for United Way’s campaign, with thousands of generous donors.

Chris Szalay of Wiscasset and Catholic Charities – SEARCH and Kelly Creamer of LincolnHealth served on United Way’s volunteer Campaign Cabinet. Other members of the Cabinet included Bryan Campbell, Sam Chard, Joel Merry, Morgan Moores, John Nelson, Mara Pennell, Anita Ruff, and Steve Cornish, Kristine Mattei, Tom Durrell, Ben Skinner, and Mike Winn of Bath Iron Works.

Mid Coast – Parkview Health received United Way’s overall Campaign Excellence Award. “New Employee Campaign manager Jon Larssen, helped by Morgan Moores, ran an amazing campaign,” said Bailey in presenting the award. “They focused on increasing the number of givers: getting in front of many more employees face to face and asking people who had not previously given to start – even at a modest level. They had many more meetings this year – dozens of meetings – and brought in about 100 new givers! What a huge accomplishment for our entire campaign!”

The Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Carlene Byron, employee campaign manager at Independence Association, a United Way partner agency. “Carlene did a wonderful job,” said Bailey. “She really went above and beyond. She expanded Independence’s campaign to include the group homes scattered throughout our community. Carlene took the initiative to reach out and make sure these employees also heard the full message and the opportunity to give.”

This year’s Loaned Executives, who worked full-time on the campaign, include: Pete McNamara of Norway Savings Bank, Lisa Richards of L.L. Bean, and Greyson Locke of Bath Iron Works and BMDA.

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