Officials with the United Way of Aroostook held their annual meeting June 5 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Campus Center, with about 100 people in attendance. On the agenda was the election of new officers, the presentation of awards and an updating on fund-raising efforts. The UWA is nearing its $490,000 campaign goal — currently at about 96 percent — with just two weeks left to raise money. Funds benefit area nonprofits that provide an array of services to those in need throughout Aroostook County.
UWA Executive Director Claudia Stevens kicked off the event by welcoming everyone, followed by Ginny Joles who offered the invocation.
Joles then oversaw the election of officers for 2014-15: Dan Bagley, president; Luke Rossignol, vice president; Suzie Paradis, treasurer; and Claudia Stevens, secretary. She also recognized the slate of board members: Mary Lawrence (fulfilling her first term) 2015, UMPI; James Mattila (fulfilling his first term) 2105, The County Federal Credit Union, Houlton; Laura Turner (first term expired) 2017, TAMC; and Tony Lahey (first term expired) 2017, Pines Health Services.
Cheri Doak, outgoing UWA president, recognized outgoing board members Scott Voisine, of UMFK, and Becky Sperrey, TAMC.
Wanda Guiggey, campaign chair, spoke next, offering an update on this year’s fund-raising efforts.
“MMG marked the 20th anniversary of their golf tournament in September, raising $30,000 — passing their past efforts. We kicked off our reading campaign in October at the Aroostook Centre Mall, encouraging families to sign up their children for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL). The Northern Star competition raised $25,000, through competitions held in Fort Kent, Presque Isle and Houlton, with the finale held in Caribou. The Little and Junior Miss Presque Isle Pageants, held in April, raised about $5,000,” said Guiggey.
With the fund-raising year nearly over, Guiggey said there’s still one big event ahead.
“June 21 will be Paradis Shop N Save’s golf tournament, held in Fort Kent. Last year they raised about $7,000; we hope to raise more than that this year. There are still openings. If anyone’s interested, they can contact Judy at Paradis,” she said.
Guiggey also acknowledged the many workplace fundraisers, expressing how much she and others with UWA appreciate the efforts of employers and employees throughout Aroostook.
She said though times are hard, it looks like the UWA will come close to reaching its goal.
“We set the goal of $490,000 for 2014. Our best projection is we’ll reach 96 percent or about $472,000. We’ll continue to work right up to June 30 to try to reach our goal,” said Guiggey. “Thank you for participating in any event on our behalf. It goes a long way in helping those most need in our community.”
Doak was joined by Bagley for the next portion of the meeting. Doak said this year marks Stevens’ 15th year with UWA.
“Claudia strives to always keep the board thinking of the future — the core remains raising funds for agencies (that aid those in need throughout the County),” said Doak. She went on to thank Guiggey for her efforts, noting “in today’s challenging economic times, with so many agencies to support, Wanda has worked to improve the lives of others.”
Doak said the UWA has “touched the lives of about 36,000 people in just the last year — or about 46 percent of the population.”
Doak then recognized Ginny and Jerry Joles for their volunteer contributions to the tax program and Elaine Sipe’s efforts in registering over 100 children for the NextGen program. Joe Lallande was also recognized for his work on behalf of the Aroostook Agency on Aging.
She called Bagley her “sounding board and backup” whenever she needed him. Doak ended her year as president by thanking the UWA board, workplace donors, volunteers and her family for supporting her throughout the past year.
Bagley presented Doak with an award, in honor of her presidency. He then went on to discuss the DPIL and what it means to families of young children.
“The program started in the St. John Valley; we provided seed money to that prior to taking it on ourselves. The DPIL is open to children from birth to 5 years, regardless of income. Studies have shown the effect literacy has on poverty. This initiative is very well supported,” said Bagley. To date, over 1,100 children are now registered and receiving books on a monthly basis.
Jessica Ouellette, of Presque Isle, accompanied by her 3-year-old daughter, Jillian, shared her own experience with the program.
“Jillian and her older sister, who’s 5, enjoy the family time together. We signed up at the mall. As a single mom, it provides me with an opportunity to sit and read with them. For all the children who benefit, we greatly appreciate the program,” said Ouellette.
“UWA has allocated $25,000 annually as seed money to keep this going,” said Bagley. He said the literacy program is made possible through fund-raising efforts by people like those at the meeting.
Bagley said he and other UWA representatives are available to speak to groups and organizations. To schedule a speaker, call 764-5197.
The meeting concluded with Stevens presenting awards to the top workplace campaign participants and providing local nonprofits served by the UWA with their annual packets.
Stevens recognized the organizing committee for this year’s meeting and all the hours they dedicate to the UWA: Doak, Bagley, Guiggey, Sipe, Terri Ouellette and Missy Nadeau. Part-time staff were also recognized: Sandra Bartley, for the tax program; and Jeannie McGowan, for 2-1-1. Terri Ouellette was named Volunteer of the Year.
Making the list of the top 12 campaign workplaces were, going from lowest to highest: Paradis Shop N Save, Houlton; County Federal Credit Union; ACAP — with Stevens noting “it’s a great pleasure to have agencies support us that we support; Central Aroostook Association; UPS; Smith & Wesson; Emera Maine; KeyBank; MMG; Twin Rivers; Katahdin Trust; and TAMC, with the hospital also earning the Campaign Excellence Award.
Central Aroostook Association earned the Outstanding UWA Agency Award. Guiggey was presented with a plaque in appreciation for her service as campaign chair.
Stevens said allocated funds this year came to about $220,000, up about $10,000 over last year. There are three categories for UWA agencies: those that strengthen children and families; those that meet basic needs; and those that support senior citizens.
Donor-designated funds came to nearly $10,000 this year. “These are funds for agencies other than those we represent, which a donor has specifically requested their money go to,” said Stevens.
For more information, including a list of agencies served by the UWA, or to make a donation, call 764-5197. The UWA office is now located on Parsons Street, above the Bank of Maine.
