United Way of Kennebec Valley has raised 70 percent of its overall campaign goal to date, with two months remaining in the fundraising season. Chuck and Maria Hays, who are chairing the organization’s effort with their two adult children, convened a cabinet of business and community leaders to help successfully expand United Way’s network of donors.

Chuck, president and chief executive officer of MaineGeneral Health, and Maria, professor at the University of Maine at Augusta, have met with several businesses to mobilize the caring power of those who live and work in Kennebec Valley. The family challenged donors to increase pledges by 5 percent in order to fund unmet needs for the most vulnerable community members.

“We are pleased with the campaign’s early success and overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity that we’ve seen,” said Chuck. “But we recognize that we still have work to do in order to reach our more than $1.6 million goal.”

“Our hope is that additional businesses and local people will join us as we fight for the health, safety and well-being of every person in the Kennebec Valley,” added Maria. “If the community comes together, I know that we can bridge this gap to help those who need it most.”

Several businesses have answered the Hays’ appeal for additional support including Cives Steel, G&E Roofing, J.S. McCarthy Printers, Kennebec Savings Bank, Macpage and MaineGeneral Health. More than $90,000 in new funds have been contributed so far through the support of workplace campaigns, individual gifts and grants.

As part of its annual initiative, United Way's workplace campaigns engage more than 125 local businesses, representing over 3,000 donors. Last year, donations to United Way totaled more than $1.5 million and assisted over 19,000 people in 49 programs across the region.

In order to expand United Way’s outreach, the organization introduced new initiatives this fall. Civic-minded professionals with a passion for volunteering have formed the Emerging Leaders Society, which is open to anyone who donates to United Way at a certain level and gives their time. In addition, Mike and Kim Meservey, the owners of Augusta’s Downtown Diner, have invited local businesses to become members of United Way’s 365 Small Business Circle with a dollar-a-day contribution. More than 30 businesses have already joined this effort.

United Way will reveal its final fundraising total at the Annual Campaign Celebration, which will be held on Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. in the Prescott Education Pavilion at MaineGeneral Medical Center.

There is still an opportunity for businesses and individuals to participate in the campaign. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact cyeager@uwkv.org or 207-626-3400. For more information, visit www.uwkv.org.