AUGUSTA — United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) has named Kennebec County couple Michele Pelletier and Daniel Webster III as campaign co-chairs for the 2023 fundraising season, launching in September. Pelletier, president and CEO of Performance Foodservice – NorthCenter, and Webster, retired from the State of Maine, are charged with growing and developing community partnerships throughout the county starting this spring.
“The Kennebec Valley is where we work, live and play, and we want this community to continue to thrive,” said Pelletier. “There are already so many good-for-all activities happening in our community, and we see it as our responsibility to do our part.”
This year, Pelletier and Webster will focus on highlighting programs that increase the financial stability of community members, as outlined in the
Impact2032 initiative’s 10-year, community-wide goals. As of 2023, UWKV has aligned its community investment funding with Impact2032’s cross-sector vision for health, education and financial stability in order to accelerate change.
“We feel it is important for adults and families in Kennebec County to have employment, income and resources to achieve their own financial stability,” said Webster. “Having financial stability supplies a sense of security for struggling members of our community, and the sense of independence that goes with achieving financial stability is self-gratifying.”
“As a company that employs over 350 associates, we have called upon local organizations to aid employees in need,” added Pelletier. “Unfortunately, there are unforeseen circumstances any one of us may have to deal with. UWKV funds many supportive agencies that can play an important role for those facing personal challenges.”
As part of an annual fundraising initiative, United Way’s workplace campaigns engage more than 150 local businesses each year, representing more than 3,500 donors. Last year, donations to United Way totaled more than $1.8 million and supported 49 nonprofit programs across Kennebec County. With the support of the Campaign Champions — a group comprised of business and community members across the county who will lay the foundation for the upcoming campaign — Pelletier and Webster will broaden UWKV’s network of donors to help meet the growing need for community support.
Pelletier is an Augusta native who earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bowdoin College. In 1994, she began her career in public accounting and spent five years working as a corporate tax accountant in Portland, Maine. Seeking to move back home and start a family, she changed her career path and started working for Performance Foodservice – NorthCenter in 1999 and was promoted to president in 2018. Pelletier has been very involved with the Augusta community, serving on a variety of boards and organizations for many years.
Webster was born and raised in Winthrop, Maine. After earning his associate degree from Southern Maine Technical College in industrial electricity and working in the trade, he changed career paths and worked for the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) in various roles for 30 years. While working for the State of Maine, Webster earned his Bachelor of Science degree in public administration from University of Maine Augusta. He also participated in the Maine State Employees Combined Charitable Appeal (MSECCA) campaign — a UWKV Corporate Cornerstone partner — during his tenure with MDOT. Upon retiring from the State, he began working part-time at the White Duck Brew Pub — a new restaurant in his hometown — where he enjoys interacting with local neighbors, friends and business acquaintances.
Pelletier and Webster currently reside in Winthrop with their two children, Danny and Suzie. Their passions outside of work include golf, fly fishing and going out to eat with friends and family.
“When we lift up people in need, it makes our community stronger, healthier and a better place to live, work and play,” said Pelletier. “We give because we know every dollar helps and makes a difference.”
“Each person or organization that gives to the UWKV is making a difference,” Webster added. “Because of donors in 2022, UWKV will be able to fund more than 50 organizations throughout 2023. I’m not sure people truly understand that every dollar does matter and because of them and their generosity, we can collectively help thousands of people across Kennebec County.”
If you are interested in serving as a United Way Campaign Champion or supporting the fundraising effort, please contact (207) 626-3400. For more information about United Way of Kennebec Valley, visit uwkv.org.
