United Way sets fund-raising goal
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Officials with the United Way of Aroostook kicked off the agency’s fund-raising campaign with an RV tour of Aroostook County in October. This year’s goal is to raise $490,000 — funds raised will benefit agencies throughout the region whose goal is to help those in need, including organizations such as Homeless Services of Aroostook, ACAP’s Family Services and the Hope & Justice domestic violence programs.
The first stop was the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle, with Luke Rossignol, campaign chair and vice president of the UWA Board of Directors, highlighting plans for the coming year.
“This is a daunting but exciting task. The strongest and most compelling factor is the fact this is local people working with local agencies to help local people. It draws you in as you work in the community with United Way people to make things happen,” said Rossignol.
He said the UWA was an example of “what happens when it (fund-raising) really works.”
Rossignol introduced the day’s guest speaker, Kari Bradstreet, whom he described as a “remarkable example of what happens when we use good people, working with these agencies, to put things right.” Bradstreet, who now works with victims of domestic abuse through the Hope & Justice Project, shared her own experience as a victim.
After a 15-year marriage, Bradstreet said she found the strength to “step out and break free with dignity.”
“But when our divorce was finalized, the situation escalated, with my ex stalking and threatening to kill me — my son was threatened as well. I found comfort with Hope & Justice. They picked me up and carried me through. The organization was a welcome relief when my life was in turmoil,” said Bradstreet.
Bradstreet said she never thought of herself as a person who’d use these services but found such abuse “hits everyone.”
“I’m a survivor — no longer a victim. Through the work of these people, I’m here today,” Bradstreet said.
Claudia Stevens, UWA’s executive director, said, “This is just one story.”
“There are literally thousands of others. These programs provide support for your neighbors, family. That’s why we campaign — to help,” said Stevens.
She said that’s why it’s so important to give.
“Give up a cup of coffee a week or even just $1. It makes a difference. Never think your little bit can’t help; it all adds up,” she said.
This year Stevens said there’s an added incentive for people to donate to the UWA campaign.
“Emera Maine has donated a heat pump, valued at $3,500. Those who donate $5 a week will be entered into a drawing for a new unit. They’ll retrofit it for your home,” said Stevens.
For $2 a week, donors will be entered for a list of other items that will be raffled off.
“The drawing will be in March,” she said.
Rossignol said he and the UWA board would like to see a core of leadership donors.
“That would entail $520 donation a year or just $10 a week. I’ve doubled that myself, to set an example,” said Rossignol, noting he was going to contact people he knew in the medical, banking and legal community, asking them to be leadership donors.
“I know there are really good leaders in the community who can step up,” he said.
He also invited the public to submit suggestions for possible fund-raising activities and events.
“We’re looking for ideas for our next ‘bucket challenge.’ Let us know if you have a suggestion. The bucket challenge was a big success for that cause (over $20 million was raised for ALS research earlier this year, as people across the country took part in the ice-bucket challenge, making a donation while dumping ice or ice water on themselves),” said Rossignol.
Rossignol gave an example of one possible challenge. “Dan (Bagley, UWA president and executive vice president of the County Federal Credit Union) took a pie in the face at an event earlier this year — a fundraiser that gave donors a chance to earn the privilege of giving the boss a pie in the face.”
“Imagine the power today of posting that on the Internet — giving the boss a pie in the face,” said Rossignol. “We’re interested in anything we can do to help raise funds to aid others,” said Rossignol.
Rossignol noted that UWA members are available and willing to come help at such events. Stevens added that members are also available to speak at meetings and gatherings.
“Or folks like Kari are willing to share their stories,” said Stevens. “That’s where the power is.”
For more information or to make a donation, call 764-5197.
