2011 marked yet another record-setting year for the Maine credit unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. The year’s total funds raised was $446,929.56, an increase of nearly $45,000 over 2010’s record. This impressive total was announced in February in a special ceremony featuring the award-winning author of On Golden Pond, Ernest Thompson.

“Maine people deserve an Academy Award for their generosity. As someone who has fond affection for this state, I am touched by the level of support and effort credit unions and members devote to this cause. It is amazing,” Thompson said. Since 1990, Maine’s credit unions have raised over $4.3 million to help end hunger in Maine. 100% of all funds raised stay in Maine, and go directly to the cause, benefiting the very communities in which the funds are raised.

Each June, the Campaign holds a ‘Share the Bread’ event, when along with loaves of bread, Maine credit unions contribute $17,000, one of the largest single-day contributions to multiple hunger organizations in Maine, to organizations in every county in the state. Jon Paradise, Governmental & Public Affairs Manager for the Maine Credit Union League, said that more than donating much needed funds, events like this are also about raising awareness for this critical need. “As we recognize the significance of hunger in Maine and, most specifically, feeding a number of Maine’s children during summer vacation when there are not meals provided at school, Maine’s Credit Unions will provide resources to help organizations in each county make a positive impact on thousands of people in Maine.”

To ensure that even the most rural Maine towns receive the food they need, the Campaign partnered with Good Shepherd Food Bank in 2005 to introduce the state’s only Food Mobile, Since its inception, the Food Mobile program has distributed 2,280,743 lbs of food throughout the state. The Food Mobile continues to be an invaluable resource to Maine’s food pantries, not only because of the rise of gas and oil prices, but throughout the winter months when the truck is able to travel to remote food pantries that may have trouble sending someone to pick up food. The Food Mobile celebrates its seventh anniversary this year.

Again this year, these efforts have been supported by a unique fundraiser, as credit unions, as well as retailers throughout the state have been selling The Amazing Music of Mainers – Volume 1. With proceeds benefiting Ending Hunger, this 27-song 2-CD set features a wide variety of artists, all with ties to Maine. This is a piece of Maine history and features such musicians as: Don McLean, Dan Fogelberg, Rustic Overtones, Schooner Fare, Bill Chinnock, Cindy Bullens, Devonsquare, Noel Paul Stookey and many more, including The Maine Stein song with a digitally remastered version by the legendary Rudy Vallee. It also interjects Maine humor at its best, with short cuts by comedian Tim Sample and the late Marshall Dodge.

The CDs are available at Maine credit union locations across the state, Best Buy, Bull Moose Music, Mr. Paperback and other select retail locations. You can also order them online at www.mainecul.org.

For more information on how you can help Maine’s Credit Unions end hunger, visit www.mainecul.org and click on the Ending Hunger link under “Community Involvement.”