United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s fall campaign to help residents of Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties, Brunswick and Harpswell, was launched Tuesday, Sept. 12.

“We need everyone’s help!” Campaign Chair Bill Brillant of Downeast Energy told the gathering. Brillant and United Way Board Chair Nancy Jennings discussed the urgency of bringing in increased gifts and new donors, given demographic trends and the retirement of many of United Way’s most generous donors from workplace giving. The Campaign goal is $1,800,000.

United Way donations fund many local agencies serving Lincoln County residents, including Central Lincoln County YMCA, Coastal Kids Preschool, New Hope for Women, Healthy Kids, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, Mobius, Habitat for Humanity, Parent Program of Mid-Coast Maine, and many more.

“We know that the only way we can truly all move forward and meet community needs is if individual donors step forward and increase their giving, and new donors join us to change lives,” said Brillant. “Moving Forward Together” is the Campaign theme, following on last year’s theme celebrating United Way’s 60th anniversary.

“United Way is the best way to make sure our neighbors in need get the immediate, critical help they need to improve their financial stability, education, and health,” said Brillant. “United Way also addresses emerging needs and invests in babies and young children to create long-lasting change. We want people to understand the power they have to change lives.”

Everyone in Midcoast Maine is included in the community effort and encouraged to give.  Anyone not reached by a workplace campaign can send a donation to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530. People can also call 207-443-9752 to give monthly via credit card, ask to be billed, make a credit card donation, or contribute stocks or securities.

Every workplace in Midcoast Maine, of any size, is urged to call United Way and schedule a brief presentation so employees can hear about local services and make a personal decision whether to contribute through payroll deduction.

People active in the Campaign from Lincoln County include Campaign Cabinet members Kelly Holbrook of LincolnHealth, Chris Szalay of Damariscotta, and Richard Price of First Advisors in Damariscotta, Loaned Executive Angela Pellerin of Hannaford in Damariscotta, and United Way Board members Connie Jones of Boothbay, Mary Ellen Barnes of Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission, Jim Donovan of LincolnHealth, and Heidi Shott of Newcastle. United Way Campaign Director Tom Blatz lives in Wiscasset, as does Finance Director John Washburn.

Brillant, who is customer service manager for Downeast Energy, reported some encouraging early Campaign results. All-staff meetings were held at Lincoln Academy, AOS 93 Schools, RSU 1, MSAD 75, Brunswick Schools, and Maine Region 10 Technical high school. Other early campaigns have been held at UPS, Target, and Walmart. FHC, Inc., and Riley Insurance have each given increased corporate gifts this year. Additional generous early corporate gifts have come in from Norway Savings, Target, JHR Development, Woodex Bearing, and Sebasco Harbor Resort.

At the Kick-off, sponsored by Mid Coast Hospital, Brillant introduced this year’s Campaign Cabinet of volunteer leaders and Loaned Executives, who are helping full-time on the campaign over the next 10 weeks. Brillant thanked companies who sponsored Loaned Executives or donated campaign incentives for new and increased giving: Amtrak, Sebasco Harbor Resort, L.L. Bean, Downeast Energy, Hannaford, Bath Savings Institution, BIW, Local S6, Norway Savings Bank, and FHC, Inc.

Brillant announced that as of the Kick-off, the campaign has raised $298,105, or 16.5 percent of the goal. The Campaign Finale is Nov. 9. More information on United Way’s results in improving lives can be found at www.uwmcm.org.