Charity kicks off campaign

Amy Calder

Sep. 10, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- WATERVILLE -- The United Way of Mid-Maine, Inc. is facing a challenging year head-on by setting a fundraising goal of $758,670.

The organization on Tuesday kicked off its campaign for 2008-09 with a breakfast held at the Fairfield Community Center. About 125 people, including board members, volunteers, donors and officials of agencies the United Way serves, attended the event.

John Dalton, chief executive officer of Inland Hospital, is campaign chairman this year.

With high fuel prices and other costs increasing, the United Way is working to make sure people are safe, warm and have enough food, according to Tina Chapman, president and chief professional officer of the local United Way.

"What's happening is people are incredibly stressed," Chapman said later Tuesday. "They're very worried about the price of heating fuel, the price of gas and about the price of food and the availability of affordable health care. All of these things have a domino effect."

When people are worried about how to pay for necessities, other problems occur, Chapman said. The need for substance-abuse services increases and more people seek help from the Family Violence Project, food banks, municipalities and other entities. People are faced with making choices between heating their homes, putting food on the table or paying for prescription drugs.

Chapman said those with more resources than others are stepping up to the plate to help. The United Way got a boost with its Pacesetter Campaign, where companies held campaigns prior to the official kick-off and tried to increase their support.

Central Maine Power Co. (OOTC:CTPPO) in Fairfield and Skowhegan; the Children's Center; GHM Insurance Agency; Family Violence Project; Joseph's Market; Kennebec Behavioral Health; Kennebec Savings Bank; Lakewood Continuing Care Center; Madison Paper Industries; Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers; Ray Haskell Ford, United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS) and Waterville Salvation Army were Pacesetter companies.

"They completely stepped up to the plate," Chapman said. "Some increased their contributions dramatically and some had 100 percent participation. They blew us away with what they were able to do."

The local United Way serves 59 towns in northern Kennebec and all of Somerset County, as well as four municipalities in western Waldo County. The organization has 25 partner agencies and 32 programs.

Last year's United Way fundraising goal was $726,199.

"We haven't met it yet, but we expect to," Chapman said. "Money is still coming in."

The United Way of Kennebec County based in Augusta will kick off its campaign Thursday at a 7:30 a.m. breakfast to be held at the Augusta Civic Center. The organization's goal this year will be $1.5 million, the same goal as last year, according to Jennifer Buker, director of communications, marketing and development.

Last year's goal was exceeded, with the United Way raising $1.504 million, Buker said. While this is challenging, donors are continuing their tradition of pitching in, according to Buker.

"I think that people who can give are giving a little more and those that can't haven't necessarily decreased their amount," she said.

A call placed to United Way of America seeking a total for United Way contributions nationally was not returned Tuesday. The organization is based in Alexandria, Va.

But Sharon Bond, senior public-relations manager for Giving USA Foundation in Glenview, Ill., said the nation's charitable giving in 2007 was $306.39 billion. Expected contributions for 2008 are not known.

"I always tell people that giving follows the economy," Bond said Tuesday. "We don't like to make predictions."

She said data indicates that giving dips during recessions and does not keep up with inflation.

Locally, Chapman says there are three ways people can help those in need: give, advocate or volunteer.

"Obviously, giving is the most direct method," she said.

The United Way encourages people to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves by helping them to fill out applications for energy assistance. They also can check on neighbors, particularly the elderly, to make sure they are warm -- and not keeping their thermostats too low -- have food and are healthy.

"There are lots of ways that people can help," she said.

The local volunteer United Way Cabinet, which helps to support the campaign, includes Dan and Joanne Booth, Ann Brooks, Steve Chapman, George Coleman, Rhonda Emerson, Ray Haskell, Bob Marden, Tom McAdam, Mike Michaud, Gary Poulin, Debra Silva, Bart and Pat Stevens, Peter Thiboutot, Karen Van Orman, Barbara Woodlee and Lucille Zelenkewich.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0221-28014564