The Augusta Food Bank received the Public Service Partner of the Year award for its 87% increase in contributions. Front from left are Kerry Smart, Mary Moinester (holding plaque) and Julie Gilbert. Middle from left are Peggy Baird, Danny Baird, Eric Lind, Sandy Lind, Isaac Curtis, Bob Moore, Jim Theriault and TJ Smart. Back from left are Al Cloutier, Mike Johnson, Jen Bechard, Sawyer Boulette and Keith Dubois. Submitted photo

AUGUSTA — United Way of Kennebec Valley has once again achieved a record-breaking milestone, announcing more than $2 million raised for its 2024 campaign — marking the first time in 70 years that the organization has surpassed the $2 million mark.

This achievement represents a 3% increase over last year’s total and comes during a year of dramatically increased need. UWKV received an additional $500,000 in grant requests this year from nearly 80 programs across Kennebec County — an unprecedented level of demand.

The announcement was made Jan. 29 during the chapter’s campaign celebration at Kennebec Valley Community College, where campaign co-chairs TJ and Kerry Smart shared the news, according to a news release from Michelle Tibbetts with the chapter.

Both the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce were honored as the Small Business Partners of the Year for contributions to the community. From left are TJ Smart, Gary Poulin, Katie Doherty and Kerry Smart. Submitted photo

TJ, chief operating officer and co-founder of Milestone Funeral Partners, and Kerry, director of development at Travis Mills Foundation, played a pivotal role in encouraging new donors from the community to contribute to United Way. Their initiative included a personal dollar-for-dollar match for donors who increased by 2% or more, up to $10,000, resulting in 359 donors responding and an additional $60,102 in increased funds for UWKV’s annual fundraising efforts to date.

Additionally, Conrad and Lois Ayotte, longtime United Way supporters, challenged new donors to join United Way’s efforts. The Ayottes matched every new contribution dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 — welcoming 189 new donors and adding $31,598 to the campaign so far.

The funds raised during the campaign will significantly benefit the 59 health and human service programs that the chapter funds across Kennebec County throughout 2025. These programs focus on enhancing access to health, education and financial stability for all, aligning with the goals of the Impact2032 movement — a community-wide initiative dedicated to creating lasting, positive change throughout the county.

Heather Szela was named the Norm Temple Volunteer of the Year. From left are Szela and and Courtney Yeager. Submitted photo

This year’s campaign theme was “Unignorable,” emphasizing financial stability and the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. The campaign also spotlighted ALICE through 10 bold and compelling illustrations that highlight important social issues that are often ignored.

Collectively, the chapter’s partner programs serve more than 37,750 people in Kennebec Valley — many of them identifying as ALICE. In Kennebec County, 41% of households live below the ALICE Threshold, with 12% of that figure living in poverty.

During the event, the Smarts also recognized outstanding businesses with several awards. Augusta Food Bank received the Public Service Partner of the Year award for its 87% increase in contributions, while both the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce were honored as the Small Business Partners of the Year for contributions to the community.

Performance Foodservice — NorthCenter earned the Employee Campaign Manager of the Year award for increasing the company’s workplace campaign by 7% and offering holistic support of UWKV through in-kind donations.

O’Connor Auto Park was presented with the Large Business Partner of the Year award for an impressive 24% increase in its workplace giving. Allen Insurance & Financial received the New Campaign Partner of the Year award for raising $5,304 as a new campaign partner. Additionally, WIPFLI received the Chairpersons’ Recognition Award for increasing support by 12%.

Chapter President and CEO Courtney Yeager presented the Norm Temple Community Volunteer Award to Heather Szela for her dedication to the Kennebec Valley through many service projects. Yeager also honored Steve and Stacy Shuman with the Rob Gordon Community Builder Award for their ongoing commitment to the entire region.

Katelyn Pushard, the chapter’s director of community impact, presented the Impact2032 Partner of the Year award to the Augusta School Department in recognition of its exceptional dedication to the initiative.

During the annual meeting, Kerry Smart was elected as board chair and Corey Vose of Performance Foodservice — NorthCenter was elected board vice-chair through 2025. Cheryl Flewelling of Raymond James Financial Services was reelected to the board treasurer position.

United Way also welcomed four new board members for an initial three-year board term: Katie Doherty (Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce), Mary Grace Morris (NRF Distributors), Matthew Newell (Central Maine Power/AVANGRID) and Mark O’Brien (community volunteer). Cheryl Flewelling was elected to serve a second three-year term. The organization bid farewell to termed-out board member Susan Clary (Central Maine Power).

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