AUGUSTA — United Way of Kennebec Valley launched its 2023 fundraising season with $1,103,723 in committed early support at the campaign kickoff breakfast — an increase of more than $100,000 from last year’s event.

Eighteen businesses reported early campaign success Sept. 13 to a crowd of more than 250 people.

Michele Pelletier of Performance Foodservice — NorthCenter, and her husband Dan Webster III, retired from the state of Maine, are co-chairing United Way’s annual appeal effort.

Last year, one in four Kennebec County residents received direct support from a United Way-funded program. Donations to UWKV funded 58 programs — a net increase of nine programs over last year — with requests for funding exceeding available dollars by $400,000. This data highlights the significant increase in need for services that has been impacting not only Kennebec County, but many nonprofits across the state, according to a news release from Michelle Tibbetts, UWKV director of marketing.

United Way is this year increasing its annual campaign goal by 3%, aiming to raise $1.9 million in response to the growing needs of community members. In order to meet this goal, Pelletier and Webster have challenged the community to ask someone — a spouse, friend, family member, coworker or fellow business — to join the United Way fundraising effort this year. Furthermore, the couple plans to personally match any donation received from a new supporter, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000.

Erin BinGhalib, of Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP) — a United Way-funded program — attended the event and spoke about the organization’s Mobility Management program.

“The philosophy behind Mobility Management is rider’s choice. This means, when someone reaches out to KVCAP for transportation, we can offer a variety of transportation solutions to fit their specific needs,” said BinGhalib.

“The most important part of this is that the individual themselves picks the option that best fits their needs. Through this program, we can offer options such as bus passes, gas cards, mileage reimbursement, bicycles, volunteer drivers or a wheelchair accessible van trip.”

To support United Way’s county-wide campaign, call 207-626-3400 or visit uwkv.org/give.

Check out other upcoming area events!