AUBURN – United Way of Androscoggin County announced a target of almost $2 million at a campaign kickoff breakfast Thursday morning.

“I have a lot of confidence in what this community can do,” said Joleen Bedard, the organization’s executive director.

Noting that rising energy costs and other economic challenges place special burdens on area agencies and the people they serve, Bedard said, “We are all strong Mainers and it will all come together.”

This year’s goal of $1.9 million was revealed at the breakfast by Maureen Aube, chairwoman of the 2008 campaign.

She said, “The No. 1 reason people contribute to United Way is that they are asked.” She recalled her first dollar-a-week pledges of the past and emphasized that giving became a habit, and that increases in dollars and time are possible for anyone to make.

Aube, who is operations manager of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, added that she has been “astounded by the impact in this community that United Way has.”

April Caron, the new development director for United Way of Androscoggin County, introduced this year’s loaned executives. They are Vicki Bobczynski of Proctor and Gamble; Amey Coffin of Hannaford; Susan Lindquist of L.L. Bean; and Sue Sturgis of Formed Fiber Technologies Inc.

Incentives offered this year for United Way donors include a drawing for a 32-inch HDTV screen from Agren Appliance for those who pledge $5 a week; a $4 weekly pledge qualifies for a drawing entry for an Old Town kayak package from L.L. Bean; and there are chances for a $500 gas card for $3-a-week pledges.

More than 160 business and community leaders attended the kickoff breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Following the breakfast, about 135 volunteers from numerous businesses set out for work on the annual “Day of Caring” that includes hands-on assistance such as painting, repairs, yard work and home weatherization for families selected by 13 United Way agencies.

State Sen. Peggy Rotundo of Lewiston delivered legislative recognition of the 75-year history of United Way of Androscoggin County which began with an initial Community Chest goal of $33,000 in 1932.

Progress toward the 2008 goal will be reported at another breakfast meeting scheduled 11 weeks from now.