United Way of Aroostook announces 2018-2019 campaign

6 years ago

For more than sixty years, United Way of Aroostook has mobilized resources to improve the lives of people in Aroostook’s communities.  It empowers people to unite and solve complex problems that affect us all.

United Way of Aroostook’s Board of Directors has set the 2018-2019 Campaign Goal at $650,000. Monies raised will be allocated to county health and human services agencies which serve children, families, and seniors with health, education, and basic needs to help them become financially independent.  Donations will also help to fund United Way coordinated programs including, but not limited to Tax-Prep, Santa’s Sleigh, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Summer Slide Backpack Program, 2-1-1 Maine, 2nd Chances Kids’ Community Closet, and Stuff the Bus Aroostook. Through these agencies and programs United Way of Aroostook is currently touching 1 out of every 2 people living in Aroostook County.

Appointed as 2018-2019 Co-Chairs of the Campaign are Janet Doak of Katahdin Trust and Ryan Guerrette from Townsquare Media.

Ms. Doak has been working for Katahdin Trust Company for 13 years and is a Branch Manager/Retail Services Officer in Ashland.   She enjoys spending time with her two children, Carter and Janelle. She likes hiking, gardening, road trip adventures and volunteering in the community.

“Until I became involved with the United Way Campaign Cabinet and Allocation Committee, I never realized how far reaching a single donation is to the United Way,” said Doak.  “From shoes to food, from books to clothes, every donation matters. No amount is too small…because together we can do great things. It is very rewarding to be part of an organization that is so passionate about bettering the lives of the people in our communities.”

Ryan Guerrette is currently a member of the United Way of Aroostook Board of Directors.  He is a lifelong County resident, graduating from Central Aroostook High School in 1996 and NMCC in 1998 with an AS in Business Administration.  In 1998, Ryan received the NMCC 50 Shining Star Award, which recognized individuals who make a positive difference in their profession, community, and the lives of others around them.  Ryan is currently employed by Townsquare Media as the Director of Sales. Prior to this position, Ryan spent 15 years as the Operations Manager at Bigrock Mountain. Ryan lives in Presque Isle with his wife Jamie and two daughters, Carly and Bobbi Jo.  In his spare time, he enjoys officiating soccer, umpiring softball, playing golf, and spending time with his family.

When asked why he volunteered to Co-Chair the 2018-2019 Campaign, Guerrette had this to say, “I believe United Way is doing great things for our local communities.  They support so many worthwhile causes and programs that it only makes sense to me to lend a helping hand where I can. I’m a firm believer that if I want a better community I must do my part. I feel this is a great way for me to do that.”

If you or your organization would like more information about United Way of Aroostook or the agencies and programs it supports, please visit their website at http://www.unitedwayaroostook.org/ or call the office at (207) 764-5197.