CAMPAIGN AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Our business partners go above and beyond every year

Every year, United Way of Kennebec Valley presents awards to the top-performing fundraisers in the area. In late 2017, United Way revamped its award structure to better align with the agency's goals. Award winners are selected by our Campaign Chairs and Campaign Committee each year and presented at our Campaign Celebration.

2020 Campaign Award Winners

Large business partner of the year

Augusta Fuel Company 

Augusta Fuel Company's (AFC's) multifaceted support of United Way has been instrumental to the campaign's overall success. Under the leadership of United Way board member, Paula Lacasse, AFC increased total giving by 12 percent! Additionally, AFC was instrumental in feeding thousands of children this year through its separate donation to the Augusta Teen Center's kitchen. This award is given to a company with 35+ employees that has demonstrated outstanding United Way leadership.

SMALL BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR

Gibson LeClair

Gibson LeClair demonstrated exceptional leadership, support and commitment to the mission and values of United Way during the 2020 campaign. Gibson LeClair had 100 percent participation from current staff and new hires and further supports UWKV through in-kind donations. Gibson LeClair's efforts resulted in an impressive 22 percent increase in workplace giving.

Public service PARTNER OF THE YEAR

Spectrum Generations

This award is given to a nonprofit or government partner that has supported the campaign in new or stronger ways. Spectrum Generations fed more homebound seniors and disabled adults this year through its Meals on Wheels program—making it the first year to completely eliminate the waitlist. Additionally, during the 2020 campaign, Spectrum Generations increased its workplace campaign by 217 percent!

CHAIRPERSON'S recognition award

O'Connor Auto Park 

Campaign Chairs Chris and Sarah Voynik present this award to O'Connor Auto Park for the company's outstanding contributions to the community through United Way. In particular, O'Connor Auto Park completely revamped its campaign, which included sending a letter to every employee asking for a donation. This effort resulted in an 82 percent increase in workplace giving! This award is given annually to an entity that truly exemplifies what it means to LIVE UNITED.

Employee Campaign Managers of the Year

MSECCA Volunteers

The Maine State Employees Combined Charitable Appeal (MSECCA), led by the Maine Department of Transportation, managed an impressive fundraising effort. This year, when everything needed to be reinvented, they hosted MSECCA Mondays, which introduced donors to the work of local nonprofits, and produced a campaign video that highlighted the campaign theme perfectly—ultimately resulting in a more than 3 percent increase over last year. Campaign managers are the driving force behind the success of any campaign, and the enthusiasm and dedication of this group powered a successful effort.

NORM TEMPLE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AWARD

Community Heroes

This award is presented to a group or individual in recognition of exceptional community service. This year, United Way honors all the exceptional volunteers of the Kennebec Valley who stepped up during one of the most challenging and unprecedented years our community has faced. These volunteers allowed our nonprofits to remain open and continue to serve an increased number of clients.