United Way presents these awards to recognize individuals, groups or businesses who have helped identify and take steps toward solutions for significant issues affecting our community. The Community Builder Award is given to celebrate businesses, non-profits and individuals that exemplify the spirit of giving back to their communities. To find true solutions, we find it often takes someone who is willing to ask the next questions, take the next steps, find the needed resources or create community in new ways.
Andie Hannon is the inspiration of our first Run Like Hell 5k Fun Run & Costume Party; which was a great success! Andie works for the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine and is a part of United Way of Androscoggin County's Development committee. When the group was tasked to come up with a fundraising idea, she brought the idea of a fun run to the committee. Having experienced other runs and heard of an event like this in another area she was quick to offer ideas and help with a lot of the foot work to make it happen; most importantly, contacting the zombies that came out and spooked some of the participants.
Terri and Bart Kelsea are the dynamic duo; typically you will never see the two of them apart. You will find them at United Way's office helping with sorting and stuffing backpacks and then hauling the large green bags packing with school supplies to local schools during our Backpack Project. Additionally, you may find them bowling at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids' Sake event, or you may find them at a local food pantry volunteering but you're sure to catch them on Wednesday mornings at the Auburn Rotary Club meetings.
Chip Morrison is an active advocate for our community businesses, non-profits and individuals. While he is retiring as the President & CEO of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce his advocacy will not disappear. Chip has volunteered and served as a Campaign Cabinet Member and Board Member for our United Way and has always been a supporter.
Annually, United Way of Androscoggin County recognizes an organization for their dedication, on-going support, outstanding campaign and carting through community outreach efforts. While there can be many organizations, one is recognized each year with the Spirit of the Androscoggin Award. This year's recipient is:
L.L.Bean is always been a true supporter of not just our United Way but multiple United Ways within Maine. For more than 20 years, L.L.Bean has provided our United Way with a Loaned Executive to help support and raise funds during Campaign for at least three months. Additionally, L.L.Bean donates hundreds of backpacks to our Backpack Project each year and also donate proceeds from their traveling employee store during campaign. As far as our records can go back, for the past 18 years, over $1.7million dollars has been contributed to our community through employee giving and corporate donations. Pictured left to right are Curtis Buzzell and Mary Martin from L.L.Bean with Executive Director, Joleen Bedard.
