By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A local organization whose purpose is to assist area nonprofits meet the needs of citizens in need is close to raising $490,000 but still has a ways to go to meet its goal.
The United Way of Aroostook annual breakfast meeting was held May 21 at UMPI’s Campus Center, with the first item addressed being the election of new board officers, with terms to expire in 2018.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
Dan Bagley, president of the United Way of Aroostook’s Board of Directors, presented the Campaign Excellence Award to Luke Rossignol, who served as campaign chair over the past year. The award was given during the UWA’s annual meeting May 21 at UMPI’s Campus Center.
Five of the six vacancies on the 18-member board were filled. Re-elected were: Joe Lallande, retired; Mary Lawrence, University of Maine at Presque Isle; and James Matilla, County Federal Credit Union. Newly elected were: Rodney Leach, Emera Maine; and Andrew Plant UMaine Cooperative Extension. One vacancy remains. Retiring members were presented a plaque for their service to the organization. Retirees included: Bonnie Foster, Katahdin Trust Company; Lisa Miles, Townsquare Media; Pat Sutherland, retired; and Penny Wickstrom, Pines Health Services.
UWA Executive Director Claudia Stevens introduced guest speaker Kim Gore, Maine state director of ReadyNation, a business leader organization that works to strengthen business through better policies for children and youth. Members educate policymakers and the public about effective investments that will help business compete in today’s global marketplace, build a foundation for lasting economic security, and help children get on the right track to succeed in school and in life.
Gore stressed the importance of programs such as those supported by the United Way that serve the needs of families with children.
“The average parent misses five to nine days a year (from work) due to lack of child care. That’s a loss of $3 billion in productivity each year nationally. Ninety percent of brain growth occurs by the age of 5, not after they start school,” said Gore, noting, “there’s a noticeable gap for those born to disadvantaged families.”
“Disadvantaged kids who attend a quality pre-school are more likely to graduate. A disadvantaged child is more likely to be socially delayed. Early brain science shows a child’s brain develops 700 neurons per second from birth to age 2,” said Gore. “That’s why it’s so important to put books in the hands of little kids. It’s so important to their advancement.”
UWA funds several programs that benefit children, including the Aroostook County Action Program’s Child and Family Services, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Gore said the real challenge is expanding the conversation as to why early childhood education is so important.
“We invest the least during the time of a child’s greatest potential,” Gore said.
Luke Rossignol, UWA’s campaign chair and partner at Bemis & Rossignol, LLC, spoke next, giving an overview of the past year and an update on fund-raising efforts.
Of being chair, he said “It’s compelling and addicting. It makes you want to work harder and harder.”
“We’ve struggled to reach our goal of $490,000 and are a bit short. I can’t leave the podium without asking for help reaching it,” said Rossignol.
“We’re all here to try to grow this. We need a broader base,” said Rossignol. “We’re also trying to focus on other ways to raise money,” noting despite all their efforts, “our backbone (workplace campaign) needs help.”
“If you know of someone who’d be a good candidate, let us know. We’re trying to grow our community — in places like Caribou. The help is vitally needed,” continued Rossignol.
UWA President Dan Bagley, of the County Federal Credit Union, said the team they have around them is “tremendous.”
“Overall, we’ve had a very good year. I’ve enjoyed the past year working with Claudia, the board and all of you. I see an increasingly strong work ethic and volunteer efforts,” said Bagley. “We’re blessed to have some of the best and brightest from a diverse community. You’re helping keep alive the spirit of people helping people.”
Stevens then recognized the top 10 workplace campaigns. They included: first, Katahdin Trust Company; second, The Aroostook Medical Center; third, Maine Mutual Group (MMG) Insurance; fourth, Emera Maine; fifth, Smith & Wesson; sixth, KeyBank; seventh, United Parcel Service (UPS); eighth, Central Aroostook Association; ninth, ACAP; and 10th, County Federal Credit Union.
Rossignol was presented with the Campaign Excellence Award, while Katahdin Trust Co. earned the Employer Campaign Award. Bonnie Foster was recognized as Volunteer of the Year.
Stevens said to date nearly $462,000 has been pledged, with $107,518 in in-kind contributions.
“There’s still time to make a donation. We’ll do our best to reach our campaign goal of $490,000,” said Stevens. “Luke has worked tirelessly to achieve 95 percent of our goal, through his participation and great leadership.”
Bagley and Rossignol then presented agencies funded by the UWA with their material packets. UWA funds agencies in three categories: those that strengthen children and families; those that meet basic needs; and those that promote self sufficiency in senior living.
Agencies include: ACAP Child and Family Services; Aroostook Council for Healthy Families/Maine Families Aroostook, Aroostook Council for Healthy Families/Raising Healthy Families, and ACAP — WIC; Adopt-A-Block of Aroostook; Hope & Justice Project; Central Aroostook ARC; St. John Valley Associates; AAAA — Retired & Senior Volunteer Program; Meals on Wheels; American Red Cross; Catholic Charities ME Home Supplies and Food Bank; Grace Interfaith Food Table; Helping Neighbors; Homeless Services of Aroostook; and Salvation Army Emergency Services, Houlton.
For more information about services funded by the UWA or to make a donation, call 764-5197 or mail: United Way of Aroostook, 9 Dyer St., Suite 2, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
