Five firms send employees to help with the 2003 fund-raising campaign.

LEWISTON – Five local businesses showed their support for their community by providing an employee to assist with the annual fund-raising campaign at the United Way of Androscoggin County.

The loaned executives underwent a week of training that involved developing presentation styles, organizational skills and learning about the United Way and its impact on individuals and families throughout Androscoggin County.

Loaned executives are responsible for coordinating internal fund-raising campaigns within area companies and reaching out to hundred of local businesses to solicit support of United Way.

Mark Anthoine, 2003 campaign chairman and principal of Healey and Associates in Auburn, said, “The skills and knowledge of these loaned executives, along with their attitude of caring for people and their community, is key to coordinating employee fund-raising campaigns in area businesses.

“They also play an important role in maintaining current and developing new relationships with many organizations throughout Androscoggin County. The enthusiasm and energy they show will help the United Way to reach its goal of $1.8 million.”

June Daigle is on loan from L.L. Bean Inc., where she is employed as a trainer at the Freeport facility. She is a member of Habitat for Humanity and has participated in Bowl for Kids’ Sake. In her spare time, she provides mentoring services in the Freeport area.

Sarah Sabine joins the United Way from the Auburn Hannaford, where she is an assistant customer service manager. Sabine is working toward her bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern Maine, majoring in business management. She has volunteered for American Cancer Society and Bowl for Kids’ Sake.

Formed-Fibre Technology has provided financial sponsorship for Leslie Rocheleau of Lewiston. She is a recent graduate of the University of Southern Maine, where she earned a bachelor of arts in communications. She was in a philanthropic sorority, Kappa Iota, participating in 15 hours a week of philanthropic activities.

Central Maine Medical Center is loaning its oncology program manager, Diane Mulkhey. Mulkhey is active in the American Cancer Society, serving several years as past president of the Androscoggin County unit.

Vilene McKenna comes to United Way from Banknorth, N.A., in Lewiston, where she is an account support specialist in the Deposit Operations Department. She volunteered for many years for the Pine Tree Council Boy Scouts of America, serving on the District Finance Committee as a presenter and fund-raiser chairwoman. McKenna also worked on the adult leader training team for the Casco Bay District and was active with her son’s troops and packs.

The United Way of Androscoggin County partners with the local member agencies that have demonstrated the highest quality governing practices, business standards and social services. The health and human service organizations undergo a comprehensive evaluation and review process done by trained volunteers of the United Way. The mission is to increase the organized capacity of people in Androscoggin County to care for one another.

For information, call 795-4000 or visit www.unitedwayandro.org.