I am pleased to announce that the 1997 United Way of Eastern Maine campaign raised $2.15 million, exceeding our goal of $2.1 million. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of this community and the thought of the many who will be helped through your support. People like 8-year-old Michael who has muscular dystrophy and was so angry and hyperactive until his Big Brother Michael came into his life. Now, Michael has a calming influence and a positive role model.

Or Jane, who had been referred to the Open Door Recovery Program by the Department of Human Services because they believed her children were at risk due to Jane’s drinking. Through Open Door’s programs and support, Jane has maintained total abstinence and regained the love and respect of her children.

I think of the little girl who stopped breathing at Winnie-the-Pooh nursery school, whose life was saved by the staff who had used United Way funds to become trained in first aid. They were able to start CPR, call an ambulance and calmly move the other children out of the room within seconds.

Or Crystal, who graduated from the teen parent education program at Good Samaritan Agency. She wrote a thank you note that read, “This school has changed my whole life and I’m planning to start college next spring. This is a point I never thought I would make it to or something I would even want. But having my son has made me realize that I will never get very far in life (and neither will he) if I don’t get an educatin for both of us.”

Or George, who was born mentally retarded into a family which couldn’t take care of him or his sisters. He grew up in foster homes lonely and even abused. Today, through the help of Katahdin Friends Incorporated, George has two jobs, lives in a home he purchased, and has a relationship with the girl of his dreams.

There are so many others.

On behalf of all who have been helped — thank you. Thank you to campaign volunteer committees, the loaned executives who worked around the clock to spread the word about our agencies, and agency staff and volunteers who made presentations about their critically important work. Also, thank you to the many company coordinators who set their goals and then achieved them. And of course, thank you to the more than 14,000 donors whose support makes this a better community for all of us.

Now, the work for over 130 well-trained volunteers begins. They will visit agencies and review their funding requests. By the spring they will be ready to send Community Fund dollars where they are needed most. If you are interested in getting involved in this process, call George at 941-2800.

Again, thank you for your tremendous support. We couldn’t have done it without you! Kerry Stevens 1997 United Way campaign chair Bangor