Last year, Warm Thy Neighbor helped 450 people in 65 Mid-coast households keep warm. And it all began with Sally Smith.

Smith and Craig Phillips, executive director of Tedford Housing, were among winners of Community Builder Awards presented May 22 at the United Way of Mid Coast Maine annual meeting at Maine Maritime Museum.

Gelato Fiasco of Brunswick and Judge Joe Field also won Community Builder Awards.

“Sally single-handedly started Warm Thy Neighbor,” Barbara Reinertsen, executive director of United Way Mid Coast, told the audience. “She worked with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and, for over five years Sally did it all, getting fuel to people in dire need.”

Smith said it is important to treat people in need of help with dignity. “How you treat the client is the most important thing,” she said. “When you’re in need, it’s hard not to ask for help.”

Gelato Fiasco — a confectioner founded in Brunswick — has donated 10 percent of sales on certain days to United Way. Proprietor Josh Davis accepted an award which also recognized his business partner, Bruno Tropeano.

In a keynote address, School Administrative District 75 Superintendent Brad Smith noted 44 percent of school children in the state are on free or reduced lunch programs, 34 percent in SAD 75; and nearly 16 percent have disabilities and require special education.

Earlier, Beaumont noted that 8,000 donors helped 20,000 Mid-coast residents via United Way last year. And the egency provided some 2,824 people with shelter.

UNITED WAY BOARD

Newly-elected officers to the United Way of Mid Coast Maine
— Chairman, Dennis Unger, University College at Bath-Brunswick
— First vice chairman, George Reichert, The Times Record
— Second vice chairman, Michael Field, Bath police chief
— Treasurer, Matt Orlando, Bowdoin College

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