FARMINGTON — The launch of the annual campaign of the United Way of the Tri Valley Area begins with a celebration  Sept. 10 in Meetinghouse Park. The public is invited to attend.

The event is planned from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park, or the Fairbanks School Meetinghouse in case of inclement weather. It features music, food, a chance to talk with partner organizations about the work they do in the community. There will also be a group photo opportunity of those wearing “Live United” T-shirts, which are for sale by contacting the United Way office at 778-5048 or visiting the office at 232 Broadway.

Leading the campaign will be Mike Luciano, human resource manager at Verso Paper Corp.’s Androscoggin Mill; Sandy Goodwin, vice president and area sales manager of Bangor Savings Bank; and state Rep. Tom Saviello, U-Wilton.

“Each one of this year’s campaign tri-chairs brings superior individual strengths to our fundraising effort,” said Lisa Laflin, executive director of the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area campaign. “Together, they will be particularly effective in reaching out to all corners of Greater Franklin County to ensure people are aware of how contributions to the United Way make a tremendous difference, touching one out of every three people in the area.

“The United Way is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers from such diverse backgrounds and geography to lead this year’s fundraising efforts,” she said. “The combination of energy, enthusiasm and experience will greatly benefit the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area and the community programs it supports.”

The kickoff event will be an opportunity to “Stuff a Bus” with school supplies. This is in response to a growing number of requests for supplies fielded by the United Way and its funded agencies. A Mt. Blue regional school district bus will be parked on Main Street in Farmington in front of the Gazebo to accept donations to be distributed throughout the county by the area United Way and its community partners.

Last year, the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area allocated funds to 20 community partners who provide health and social services. These include New Beginnings (outreach and assistance to homeless adolescents); SeniorsPlus (Meals on Wheels Program); Literacy Volunteers (literacy tutor training and support); Western Maine Community Action (energy conservation education); the Franklin County Children’s Task Force (child abuse and neglect prevention programming), and 15 other organizations that assist vulnerable populations and make a difference in people’s lives.

Submitted photo

State Rep. Tom Saviello, U-Wilton, Sandy Goodwin, vice president and area sales manager, Bangor Savings Bank, and Mike
Luciano, human resources manager of Verso Paper are teaming up to
lead this year’s United Way of the Tri-Valley Area campaign.

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