AUGUSTA--United Way of Kennebec Valley has raised 66 percent of its $1.8 million campaign goal to date, with two months remaining in the fundraising season. Steve Shuman and his sister Elissa Shuman Emmons, who are chairing the effort, convened a cabinet of community leaders to help grow United Way’s network of donors.

Shuman and Emmons, from Charlie’s Family of Dealerships and are longtime supporters of United Way, have met with several businesses in an effort to raise a record-breaking $1.8 million to support new and expanded human service programming.

“Elissa and I are humbled by the campaign’s early success and are proud to say that Charlie’s Family of Dealerships is one of many businesses that have reported giving increases,” Steve said.

“We’ve seen how every dollar donated makes a huge difference when it comes to supporting the people of Kennebec Valley. The campaign has only a few more months, and we invite more businesses and local folks to join us,” Elissa said.

United Way's annual campaign typically engages more than 130 local businesses, representing nearly 3,200 donors. Last year gifts to United Way totaled more than $1.7 million and assisted 22,701 people in 51 programs across the region.

United Way continues to grow new initiatives that expand the organization’s footprint. More than 50 civic-minded professionals with a passion for volunteering make up the Emerging Leaders Society, which is open to anyone who donates to United Way at $400 or more and volunteers with local organizations. In addition, Casey Hynes, general manager of Cushnoc Brewing Co. in Augusta, has invited local businesses to become members of United Way’s 365 Small Business Circle with a dollar-a-day contribution. More than 45 businesses have already joined this community-wide effort and have raised more than $40,000 in three years.

United Way will unveil its final fundraising total at the annual Campaign Celebration, which will be held on Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. at Central Maine Power.

There is still an opportunity for businesses and individuals to participate in the campaign. Please contact mboyer@uwkv.org or 207-626-3400. For more information, visit uwkv.org.