AUBURN – More than 100 supporters of the United Way of Androscoggin County celebrated the successes on Jan. 20 of the 2003 campaign at the grand finale at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch.

Pat Finnigan, chair of the United Way’s board of directors, and Mark Anthoine, 2003 campaign chairman, extended their appreciation to donors, volunteers, and staff for their support of their community through their devotion, caring and generosity.

Each year the United Way presents an award in recognition of Geneva Kirk who taught in the Lewiston School System for more than 40 years. Individuals who received the award are YWCA of Central Maine board members: Susan Boyd, Susan Hall Dreher, Elaine Roop, Barbara Trafton and Lee Young.

The United Way has added the five women to the list of those whose community life exemplifies that of Kirk and presented each with the gift of a school bell. The group worked as a transition team from December 2002 to October 2003, giving at least 10 hours of their time each week to ensure the survival of the YWCA.

They pulled the YWCA together but said their work is not done. “It is a work in progress and needs the help and support of the community to continue to grow,” said the women.

Two individuals who benefited from donations to the United Way explained how their lives were impacted by the community’s support.

Scott Poli of Lewiston explained that because of United Way support and the guidance of the staff from New Beginnings, he is now taking courses in a degree program at Central Maine Community College. He said earlier that day he received official notification of approval for his Certified Nurses’ Aide certification.

Mike Williams of Androscoggin Bank shared his story of how Sandcastle Preschool helped his son, who was diagnosed as developmentally delayed at the age of 4. “My son is now receiving honors in school – his and our lives have been positively impacted by the community support of United Way, and we will always be grateful to supporters for their generosity.”

Anthoine spoke about the hard work and dedication of the members of the 2003 Campaign Cabinet.

Recognized for their efforts were Fred Bishop of Nason Mechanical Systems and Janet Bishop of White Rock Distilleries, who chaired the Leaders’ Circle Division; Peter Geiger of Geiger Brothers, Education Division; Jeff Gosselin of Peoples Bank, Commerce Division; Phoebe Lowell of Catholic Charities Maine SEARCH Program, Nonprofit Division; Amber Pea, MD, Sisters of Charity Health System, Health Care Division; Dottie Perham Whittier, city of Lewiston, Public Service/Local Government Division; Roxanne Salatino, Fleet Bank, Finance, Insurance and Real Estate Division; and David Wightman, Austin Associates, Professionals Division.

Kathy Becvar, United Way’s director of resource development and marketing, introduced and extended appreciation to five who served as loaned executives.

June Daigle of L.L. Bean worked with companies in the Commerce Division; Diane Mulkhey, Central Maine Medical Center, Health Care Division; Vilene McKenna of BankNorth, NA, Finance, Insurance and Real Estate Division; Sarah Sabine of Hannaford Brothers, Nonprofit and Public Service/Local Government Divisions; and Leslie Rocheleau, Education Division.

Anthoine extended appreciation to the many individuals and companies who support the United Way’s efforts. He acknowledged individuals and couples who contribute $500 or more at the Leaders’ Circle level. An increasing number of individuals and couples are giving at the Leaders’ Circle level that represents more than 25 percent of the total campaign.

Anthoine also acknowledged the commitment of the CEOs and employee campaign managers for their support and efforts in coordinating workplace campaigns. In addition, he recognized the work of United Way volunteers for their work and the staff and volunteers from the 32 member agencies for the services and care they provide.

The event included presentation of several awards to companies who support the United Way of Androscoggin County. The Maine Bucket Co. was honored with the New Campaign Award for its efforts in initiating a successful first campaign.

Several other businesses were presented with the Outstanding Campaign Award presented to companies that demonstrated outstanding campaign practices and a commitment to United Way and the community.

Steve Austin accepted the award on behalf of Austin Associates, PA; Vilene McKenna, BankNorth, NA; Diane Demers, employee campaign manager, L.L. Bean; Mike Morin, Mike Morin’s Auto Center; Employee Campaign Manager Carmen Comeau, Patrons-Oxford Insurance Co.; and Irma McGuinness, employee campaign manager,Wal-Mart. Also receiving awards were Isaacson and Raymond, and Rowe Auburn.

The Liberty Mutual Group received the Spirit of the Androscoggin Award, the United Way’s highest campaign honor. The annual award is presented to one company to recognize its ongoing dedication to the community and to the United Way of Androscoggin County through its outstanding campaign support and its display of caring through its community outreach efforts. Employees developed fund-raising events, raising more than $4,000 above their workplace campaign.

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