BANGOR – It takes a lot of companies, agencies and individuals to create a successful campaign for United Way of Eastern Maine. Some of them were honored Feb. 13 when UWEM concluded its campaign with a celebration at the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono.

The annual campaign, with Charles M. Hutchins as chairman, raised $2,628,471, well above the goal of $2,550,000. The increase included new “leadership” gifts made after Hutchins promised to match $100,000 of the new gifts in that category.

The pledge made by Hutchins, who is vice president of Alternative Energy, is the largest gift in the 65-year history of the agency.

Hutchins praised the efforts of everyone who worked to raise funds this year, and to respond in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 tragedies.

“United Way did what it did best – and showed how we care,” commented Hutchins. “We need to thank each and every donor. We are pleased to have surpassed the goal because it means we can help more children and families in need in our community.”

One of the organizations honored was a United Way partner agency. The Eastern Agency on Aging, represented by Carol Higgins, director of communications, received the Outstanding Agency Employee Campaign award.

Higgins, who writes the agency’s Senior Beat column for The Weekly, went beyond running a successful campaign at EAA, explained master of ceremonies Ric Tyler. She also proved to be a “dedicated, flexible speaker” who made presentations to a variety of agencies and companies.

The Campaign Leadership Award was presented to Eastern Maine Healthcare, represented by Addy Dubois, for its campaign raising $181,137.

The Pillar of the Community Award, honoring long-standing commitment both to United Way and to the community, was given to the Bangor law firm of Eaton Peabody.

Ruth Kroll of International Paper and PACE Local 1188 received the Irene M. Gray Outstanding Campaign Volunteer Award for her dedication and support of United Way.

Also honored were:

. Newport Industrial Fabrication, 1-50 employees.

. Merrill Bank, 51-150 employees.

. UPS & Teamsters 340, 151-200 employees.

. H.E. Sargent, more than 200 employees.

. Brake Service and Parts, most improved workplace campaign.

. Sargent and Sargent, best new campaign.

In addition to raising and distributing funds, the United Way sponsors the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Keeping Kids on Track, United Volunteers and InfoLine, a community and social services referral hotline at (800) 204-2803 or 973-6815.

United Way also runs an in-kind clearing house, and is the facilitator for Greater Bangor Communities for Children.

For information, call 941-2800 or check www.unitedwayem.org.

Jeff Wahlstrom is the executive director for United Way. John Bragg is the chairman of the United Way board. Next year’s campaign chairman will be Bill Lucy.