Community members assemble to ‘feed the need’ through the United Way

From left to right: Gordie Flint, Retired, Leadership Circle Chair; Marie Real, Hannaford Loaned Executive; Stacy DeMerchant, Bangor Savings Bank; Stacie Bourassa, Finance and Administration Director, UWTVA; Rebecca Austin, Safe Voices; Bonnie Harris, UMF;, Laure Johnson, SeniorsPlus; Roland Poirer, Otis Federal Credit Union; Peter Addicot, Retired; Laurie Danforth, Homestead Kitchen, Bar, Bakery; Seated: Lisa Laflin, Executive Director, UWTVA; Laurie Turner, UMF; Raymond Glass, 2012-13 Campaign Chair; Jodi Spiller, Verso Paper Corp., Androscoggin Mill
Absent from photo: Tom Saviello, Immediate Past Campaign Chair; Kathy Gregory, Community Dental; Sue Jones, Farmington Post Mistriss; Ryan Goding TD Bank; and Jane Morrison, Safe Voices.

FARMINGTON -  A large group of community members assembled for the first time on Friday, Aug. 17 in Farmington to discuss ways they could support the area, and conduct a successful annual United Way of the Tri-Valley Area fundraising Campaign. The Campaign Cabinet, as the group is known, is made up of diverse members who represent the large region the United Way serves, as well as various sectors, including industry, finance, social services, and retirees.

This year’s Campaign theme is “Feed the Need.” This theme illustrates the need to address hunger in our communities, but also encourages people to feed their own appetite for change.

After the meeting Lisa Laflin, Executive Director noted, “The United Way is fortunate to have so many passionate and experienced people coming together this year to help raise money and hope in Greater Franklin County. I am looking forward to working with all members, and am pleased that Raymond Glass will chair this year’s Campaign. Ray is an experienced leader and dedicated community member. Retired from the University of Maine at Farmington where he taught for many years, Ray is completing a long tenure on the MBRSD 9 school board, five of which he was chair. This and his other significant community contributions, make him an ideal ambassador for the United Way.”

The United Way will officially kick off its Campaign at Synergy a benefit concert being held at Titcomb Mountain in Farmington on Sept. 8, in partnership with Franklin Community Health Network. The concert will feature Rustic Overtones, CatchaVibe, and The Running Gags performing a blend of funk, rock and reggae. There will be BBQ available for purchase as well as a 21+ area. For tickets, call the United Way at 778-5048 or purchase on line at www.uwtva.org.

The United Way raised more than $393,000 in 2011-12, funded 16 programs coordinated by area non-profit organizations, supported numerous community projects, and provided opportunities for a better life to hundreds.