UNITED WAY OF MID-MAINE CELEBRATES COMMUNITY GENEROSITY

Over one hundred and fifty community volunteers and business people gathered
Wednesday evening at the Waterville Elks Club to celebrate United Way of Mid-
Maine’s 2009 Campaign. According to Tina Chapman, President and CPO of
United Way of Mid-Maine, the support received from the community was
impressive again this year.

Chapman stated “we continue to see a growing need for services due to the
current economic crisis and other local, state and national challenges. Many
business and individuals throughout northern Kennebec and Somerset county
see and appreciate this need. They have stepped up to help out by donating to
and advocating for our partner agency services that keep Mid-Maine healthy and
strong. We rely on them to keep this area vibrant and thriving.”

Campaign Chair, Reginald Perry, Senior Director of PFBF CPAs also sees the
power and potential of the philanthropic community. “The creativity that we see in
business is amazing- our region relies on this traditional creative spirit and United
Way benefits from company campaigns that use that creativity to raise funds that
support people who need support.”

Each year United Way celebrates and honors the community of contributors and
awards outstanding businesses that show a high level of commitment and
success with employee campaigns. Awards are given for increase in percent
participation and for outstanding fundraising achievements. This year’s top
businesses in these two categories are: Day’s Jewelers from Waterville for
increased fundraising and Wrabacon, Automated Conveyor Systems from
Oakland for increased participation.

Every year our area hospitals contribute so much time and energy and donations
to United Way of Mid-Maine. This year, United Way of Mid-Maine honored two
local hospitals that have had outstanding campaigns.

The George R. Keller Award: An annual award given to a company that has
demonstrated outstanding leadership in an in-house campaign was presented to
Maine General. Outstanding leadership throughout the Maine General
organization translates into success for the entire community. The Maine
General campaign raised over $50,000. This year their campaign theme was
“Everyday Heroes;” this theme serves to highlight so many important segments
of our community- from the leadership at the hospital to the leaders in business
and public services. We are honored to have Maine General as a United Way of
Mid-Maine partner!

The Diamond Club Award: An annual award given to the one company that has
demonstrated extraordinary commitment and contribution to United Way of Mid-
Maine, was presented to Inland Hospital and their employees, who together
raised over $30,000. Inland Hospital crafted a diverse campaign that included
multiple fundraisers and included participation from the hospital’s many rural
clinics.

Members of the 2009/2010 United Way of Mid-Maine Campaign Cabinet were
honored as well. They are, Reginald Perry- Chair, John Butera, George
Coleman, Glenn Dumont, Tom Ferris, Mark Ford, Mike Fortin, Mike Michaud,
Patti Morini, Abby Mullin, Gary Smith, Bart Stevens, Peter Thiboutot, Suzanne
Uhl-Melanson, Ken Walsh, Barbara Woodlee, and Lucille Zelenkewich.

The evening was topped off with musical entertainment provided by the China
Community Singers under the direction of Ciara Hargrove.

For Immediate release
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009
CONTACTS: Tina Chapman 873-0686
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