H. Allen Ryan, left, Diane Ryan, United Way of Kennebec Valley executive director Rob Gordon, Nancy Shuman and Charlie Shuman speak from the podium during kickoff breakfast on Thursday at the Augusta Civic Center.

Aaron Kouhoupt speaks about the Children's Center during United Way of Kennebec Valley kickoff breakfast on Thursday at the Augusta Civic Center.

More than 200 people gathered at the Augusta Civic Center Thursday for the United Way of Kennebec Valley kickoff breakfast at the Augusta Civic Center.

Campaign co-chairman Soctt Fossett speaks during the United Way of Kennebec Valley kickoff breakfast on Thursday at the Augusta Civic Center.

The Rev. Carolyn Neighoff, of the Water of Life Lutheran Church in Newcastle, speaks on behalf of the Bread of Life founders during United Way of Kennebec Valley kickoff breakfast on Thursday.

With the poster showing the goal of $1.5 million behind her, the Rev. Carolyn Neighoff, of the Water of Life Lutheran Church in Newcastle, speaks on behalf of the Bread of Life founders during United Way of Kennebec Valley kickoff breakfast on Thursday.

More than 200 people gathered at the Augusta Civic Center Thursday for the United Way of Kennebec Valley kickoff breakfast at the Augusta Civic Center. At the podium is the Rev. Carolyn Neighoff.