AUGUSTA – United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) has once again achieved a record-breaking milestone, announcing a total of $2,002,516.25 raised for its 2024 campaign — marking the first time in 70 years that the organization has surpassed the $2 million mark. This achievement represents a 3% increase over last year’s total and comes during a year of dramatically increased need. UWKV received an additional $500,000 in grant requests this year from nearly 80 programs across Kennebec County — an unprecedented level of demand.
The announcement was made on Wednesday evening, Jan. 29, during UWKV’s sold-out Campaign Celebration at Kennebec Valley Community College, where Campaign Co-Chairs TJ and Kerry Smart shared the exciting news.
Matching Challenges Drive Community Support
TJ, chief operating officer and co-founder of Milestone Funeral Partners, and Kerry, director of development at Travis Mills Foundation, played a pivotal role in encouraging new donors from the community to contribute to United Way. Their initiative included a personal dollar-for-dollar match for donors who increased by 2% or more, up to $10,000, resulting in 359 donors responding and an additional $60,102 in increased funds for UWKV’s annual fundraising efforts to date. Additionally, Conrad and Lois Ayotte, longtime United Way supporters, challenged new donors to join United Way’s efforts. The Ayottes matched every new contribution dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 — welcoming 189 new donors and adding $31,598 to the campaign so far.
“This year, we set out to make the struggles of ALICE families unignorable, and this community rose to the challenge in an extraordinary way,” said Kerry. “Surpassing $2 million for the first time in United Way of Kennebec Valley’s history proves that when we come together, we can create real, lasting change.”
“We are so grateful to every donor, volunteer, and supporter who made this milestone possible,” said TJ.
Funding Supports Essential Programs Across Kennebec County
The funds raised during the campaign will significantly benefit the 59 health and human service programs that UWKV funds across Kennebec County throughout 2025. These programs focus on enhancing access to health, education and financial stability for all, aligning with the goals of the Impact2032 movement — a community-wide initiative dedicated to creating lasting, positive change throughout the county.
This year’s campaign theme was “Unignorable,” emphasizing financial stability and the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. These hardworking individuals represent the backbone of our community yet face daily challenges to make ends meet. The campaign also spotlighted ALICE through 10 bold and compelling illustrations that highlight important social issues that are often ignored — making them UNIGNORABLE. These posters were displayed throughout the event venue as a reminder of urgent needs within our community.
Collectively, UWKV’s partner programs serve more than 37,750 people in Kennebec Valley — many of them identifying as ALICE. In Kennebec County, 41% of households live below the ALICE Threshold, with 12% of that figure living in poverty. The event featured a testimonial from a Kennebec County resident, Cam, who identifies as ALICE.
“I have been sleeping in my car for the past 2 ½ years now,” said Cam. “I have a well-paying job but still spend countless hours wondering how I am going to budget all my expenses while raising two children. Supports from the Journey Program at Maine Children’s Home, a United Way-funded program, make things a little easier while I try to save enough money to move back into stable housing.”
Cam’s story is just one from the thousands of Kennebec County households that cannot make ends meet. As part of UWKV’s work, the organization is advocating for public policy changes to provide more recognition and resources to ALICE families across the state.
Recognizing Outstanding Business Partners and Community Leaders
During the event, the Smarts also recognized outstanding businesses with several awards. Augusta Food Bank received the Public Service Partner of the Year award for its 87% increase in contributions, while both the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce were honored as the Small Business Partners of the Year for contributions to the community. Performance Foodservice—NorthCenter earned the Employee Campaign Manager of the Year award for increasing the company’s workplace campaign by 7% and offering holistic support of UWKV through in-kind donations.
O’Connor Auto Park was presented with the Large Business Partner of the Year award for an impressive 24% increase in its workplace giving. Allen Insurance & Financial received the New Campaign Partner of the Year award for raising $5,304 as a new campaign partner. Additionally, WIPFLI received the Chairpersons’ Recognition Award for increasing support by 12%.
UWKV President and CEO Courtney Yeager presented the Norm Temple Community Volunteer Award to Heather Szela for her dedication to the Kennebec Valley through many service projects. Yeager also honored Steve and Stacy Shuman with the Rob Gordon Community Builder Award for their ongoing commitment to the entire region.
Katelyn Pushard, UWKV’s director of community impact, presented the Impact2032 Partner of the Year award to the Augusta School Department in recognition of its exceptional dedication to the initiative.
During the annual meeting, Kerry Smart was elected as board chair and Corey Vose of Performance Foodservice—NorthCenter was elected board vice-chair through 2025. Cheryl Flewelling of Raymond James Financial Services was reelected to the board treasurer position.
United Way also welcomed four new board members for an initial three-year board term: Katie Doherty (KV Chamber of Commerce), Mary Grace Morris (NRF Distributors), Matthew Newell (Central Maine Power/AVANGRID) and Mark O’Brien (Community Volunteer). Cheryl Flewelling was elected to serve a second three-year term. The organization bid farewell to termed-out board member Susan Clary (Central Maine Power).
UWKV Launches 70th Anniversary Celebration
To conclude the evening, Tyler LeClair, director of development at UWKV, introduced UWKV’s 70th anniversary celebration.
“In 2025, United Way of Kennebec Valley will celebrate 70 years of service to this community, and we are thrilled to be commemorating this achievement all year long — starting today,” LeClair said. “To kick off the celebration, we plan to spotlight 70 community heroes during our Campaign Kickoff in September. These heroes will be individuals who have made a difference in our community over the past seven decades — and we need your help identifying them and bringing their stories to life.”
To nominate a community hero, visit uwkv.org/70th-anniversary and fill out the nomination form. Alongside this initiative, UWKV is seeking stories of impact from individuals who have been helped by United Way or its partner programs over the past 70 years. These stories will be featured on the website to showcase the lasting difference community support has made.
One of the biggest initiatives this year will be achieving 70 estate planning commitments for the 70th anniversary. UWKV encourages supporters to consider a separate planned gift through its Legacy Society, ensuring their generosity continues in perpetuity.
The success of the 2024 fundraising campaign underscores the community’s generosity and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people in need throughout Kennebec County. UWKV looks forward to continuing its mission and creating lasting change in collaboration with its dedicated supporters.
For more information, high-resolution images, and live quotes, contact Michelle Tibbetts at mtibbetts@uwkv.org or 207-626-3400.