Mad Hatter Gala Successful Event
United Way of Mid-Maine’s 3rd Annual Mad Hatter Gala Draws a Crowd
FAIRFIELD, ME (April 4, 2019)– United Way of Mid-Maine (UWMM) raised close to $20,000 at the 3rd annual Mad Hatter Gala, held Thursday at Kennebec Valley Community College. The event brought together over 130 business leaders and volunteers to provide additional funds to UWMM’s 2019 fundraising campaign, while also recognizing business community supporters.
UWMM Board Chair Theresa Macklin welcomed the crowd, noting “My year as board chair has been so rewarding. It is amazing to see so many people come together for the good of our entire community. It is events like this one that allow us to give back to the community, in an impactful way. UWMM covers Somerset, Northern Kennebec, and Western Waldo counties and reaches thousands of community members each year. These community members rely on the support of United Way, and donors like you all, thank you so much for your continued support of UWMM and the community.”
Awards were presented to local businesses that held workplace campaigns for UWMM. The Diamond Club Award, acknowledging outstanding leadership in support of UWMM, went to Skowhegan Savings Bank, accepted by Karen Hart. Skowhegan Savings Bank was recognized for their dedication to Central Maine CA$H which serves hundreds of Mid-Mainers with free tax preparation each year. The George R. Keller Award for outstanding service in a company campaign was presented to Pleasant River Lumber and was accepted on their behalf by UWMM Board Member George Coleman.
Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) Fairfield campus provided the event location, with a fabulous dinner menu and decorative and elegant Mad Hatter-themed desserts cooked up by their in-house catering program. Desserts were also provided by Christopher Hastings Confections and Engine Five Bakehouse in Waterville. Many guests dressed in theme, adding to the festiveness of the occasion.
Adding to the “Mad Hatter” theme, a group of local actors, directed by Sarah Johnson, participated in a Murder Mystery. The actors mingled with guests throughout dinner, as guests worked to determine who killed the Duchess. The Murder Mystery was written by local author, Kristen Otenti.
The event, Emceed by Matt James from Townsquare Media, enhanced awareness and support for the many programs and initiatives funded by UWMM, including the Youth Homelessness Initiative and Keeping Mid-Maine Warm.
Special thanks to the event sponsors: Maine Technology Group, Kennebec Valley Community College, O’Brien’s Event Center, Gayne Management, and Are You Ready to Party??.
Your donation to this year’s campaign will help UWMM continue to reach the 1 in 3 people in mid-Maine annually reached annually by programs funded by the caring power of our community through your contributions to UWMM. It is not too late to donate! Contact the UWMM office at 207-873-0686 or visit them online at www.uwmm.org.