Employees raise funds for
United Way campaign
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Bangor Hydro Electric Company and Maine Public Service, located in Presque Isle, recently wrapped up their United Way employee fund-raising campaigns, raising thousands to aid the nonprofit agencies in helping those less fortunate in their communities.
MAINE PUBLIC SERVICE and Bangor Hydro Electric Company officials recently presented a check to United Way of Aroostook Executive Director Claudia Stevens representing MPS employees’ portion of the 2012 fund-raising campaign. Pictured with the check for $21,756 are, from left: Susan Faloon, communications supervisor, BHEC; Stevens; Virginia Joles, senior communications specialist, MPS; and Rob Potts, communications specialist, BHEC.
“We’re pleased to report that together, the companies raised more than $129,000 in support of United Way of Eastern Maine and United Way of Aroostook,” said Susan Faloon, communications supervisor, BHEC.
Faloon said this is the first time the two sister utilities have conducted simultaneous and coordinated United Way campaigns.
“The grand total of $129,474 was raised through employee pledges, various employee fund-raising activities and a 100 percent corporate match,” explained Faloon.
Each company had an employee chair who spearheaded the campaigns and helped organize volunteers. Jill Sullivan from Bangor Hydro’s human resources department and Rod Leach from MPS finance department were in agreement regarding the generosity of Bangor Hydro’s and Maine Public’s employees.
“It is so rewarding to work with a team of people who understand the importance of giving back to the community. We are so proud of the hard work put in by our campaign teams, and appreciative of our co-worker’s generosity,” said Sullivan and Leach in a joint statement.
“I think it is fantastic how our people continue to support the communities we serve by organizing and participating in such robust fund-raising campaigns year after year,” said Bangor Hydro and MPS President and CEO Gerry Chasse. “Time and again, Bangor Hydro and Maine Public Service employees see the need and rise to the occasion.”
Bangor Hydro has raised money for United Way of Eastern Maine for more than 50 years and is consistently one of the top overall corporate campaigns. MPS, also within the top 10 northern Maine campaigns, saw a 39 percent increase in employee participation in 2012.
United Way of Aroostook officials kicked off the agency’s 2012-13 campaign in October 2012, with a goal of raising $480,000, up from $470,000 the year before. According to the UWA website, $311,613 has been raised to date.
UWA agencies that assist children and families include: ACAP WIC; ACAP Health 1st, HIV outreach and testing; Aroostook Council for Healthy Families, Maine Families Aroostook and Raising Stronger Families; Adopt A Block; Hope & Justice Project; Central Aroostook ARC; Girl Scouts of Maine; Marissa E. Lloyd Sunshine Fund; and St. John Valley Associates.
Agencies supporting seniors include: Retired Senior Volunteer Program; Meals on Wheels; Catholic Charities, Independent Support Services; and TAMC, Healthy Aging At Home.
United Way agencies that promote self-sufficiency and help meet basic needs include: American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, Supply and Food Bank; Friends of Aroostook; Grace Interfaith Table; Helping Neighbors; Homeless Services of Aroostook; and Salvation Army.
United Way programs funded each year include: 2-1-1 Maine, Fuel Assistance; Emergency Food and Shelter Program; Santa’s Sleigh Project; Dress A Child; and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
For more information on UWA or to make a donation, call 764-5197 or e-mail acunited@mfx.net. Donations can also be mailed to: United Way of Aroostook, 480 Main St., Third Floor, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
