AUGUSTA — Maine state employees and retirees have raised nearly $275,000 for charity through their annual fundraiser.

The governor’s office said during the 34 years of the Maine State Employees’ Combined Charitable Appeal, $8 million has been raised to support organizations and charities throughout the state.

The group fell just shy of the $300,000 goal set by Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patricia Aho, who said she’d dye her hair pink if the group reached it.

Republican Gov. Paul LePage said at the kick-off event in September that he would shave his head if the group reached $350,000.