BANGOR – The annual campaign for the United Way of Eastern Maine reached its goal by raising more than $2.5 million, according to Deborah Carey Johnson, the organization’s campaign chair and senior vice president.

Johnson announced Wednesday night that the annual campaign raised $2,589,976. An additional $25,000 was expected to be raised during the annual campaign celebration at Snow & Nealley’s showroom.

As a part of the announcement of the campaign results, Johnson said, “I want to tell you that we can’t stop there. United Way’s fiscal year closes in June. Between now and then, there is so much more we can do … so much more that we should do … to build stronger and healthier communities throughout Eastern Maine.”

The additional funds raised Wednesday will be used in building youth leadership, to increase the amount of food available to local shelters and extend efforts to improve adult and child literacy levels throughout the region.

Jeff Wahlstrom, executive director of United Way of Eastern Maine, announced that the first United Way State of Caring Index had been released and Maine was ranked fifth in the nation. The index measures 32 leading social and economic indicators at the state and national levels and is an indicator of the health and well being of the nation.

“Our rank in the index just reinforces our belief that we live in one of the most caring regions in America. It will serve as a great tool for us as we identify community priorities and meet them. We are pleased with the fifth-place ranking, but we are striving to be the most caring communities in America,” Wahlstrom said.

The Second Annual Irene Gray award for a volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and support for the annual fund-raising campaign was given to Paula Ballesteros from Eastern Maine Medical Center. Most Improved Campaign award went to Jordan Meats. The Employee Campaign Award went to Eastern Maine Healthcare, and Campaign Leader award for the workplace that makes the largest combined contribution to United Way was awarded to International Paper and its union locals.

Bangor Hydro-Electric Co. received the Pillar of Community award, given to a company only once for longtime commitment to the community and to the United Way. Campaign Chair’s Awards went to workplaces of various sizes including Civil Engineering Service, Inc., the city of Brewer, Osram Sylvania, Georgia-Pacific and PACE Local 80.

United Way supports collaborative initiatives, volunteerism and health and human services programs. United Way raises and distributes the funds to 69 agencies in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington counties.

United Way sponsors InfoLine, a community and social services referral hot line at 1-800-204-2803/973-6815. For more information, call 941-2800 or visit the Web at www.unitedwayem.org.