United Way recognizes volunteers, exceptional service

The UNITED We Thrive Award Luncheon on April 23 celebrated those who help the community thrive through their work in United Way’s focus areas of education, financial stability and health. GIVE awards were presented to Day One and BerryDunn, two organizations that demonstrated excellence, creativity and generosity during the 2018 United Way of Greater Portland campaign. The Baxter Legacy Award was presented to Michael Bourque of MEMIC, who played a role in the long-term success and viability of United Way of Greater Portland.

ADVOCATE awards were presented to  Maine Medical Center and Suzanne Fox of The Yellow Tulip Project, who speak out on behalf of or educate others on issues in one or more of United Way’s focus areas

The Andrews Volunteer Award was presented to Deb Deatrick for her dedication and contributions to the mission of United Way and the cause of caring for others. United Way’s highest honor, the Spirit of Greater Portland Award, was presented to L.L.Bean.

Transitions

Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance Executive Director Joshua Bodwell is moving on at the end of May to serve as the editorial director of David R. Godine, publisher, a Boston-based independent publishing house founded in 1970. The MWPA’s board of directors has announced that on June 1, Associate Director Gibson Fay-LeBlanc will step in as interim director.

Granted

The Portland Symphony Orchestra has received a $500,000 donation from the Peter and Paula Lunder family through its charitable organization, The Lunder Foundation. This gift will be used to create the Lunder Maine Music Accessibility Fund, an endowment that will be used to support PSO music education programs, including KinderKonzerts, Youth Concerts, Discovery Concerts, Instrument Petting Zoos and PSO Explorers. 

South Portland was among the first 10 cities to receive a $5,000 award from Stonyfield Organic yogurt company to transition parks to organic maintenance. In addition, Stonyfield Organic also earmarked $50,000 to be given out based on selected project proposals. Friends of Casco Bay was one of the first six nonprofit groups to receive funding. 

Giving Back

The Comfort Keepers walking team from Southern Maine, which raised $13,028 in the fight against Alzheimer’s, has been recognized as the top fundraising team nationally. In recognition of their successful 2018 fundraising efforts, the Comfort Keepers traveling trophy will be displayed at their main office on Route 1 in Scarborough thorough out the remainder of 2019.

Hires, promotions, appointments

Following a national search, the Board of Directors of Maine Cancer Foundation selected Cheryl Tucker as MCF’s next executive director. Tucker will bring 20 years of cancer-related public health experience to the role, most recently at the MaineHealth Cancer Care Network. She will join the organization on May 13.

Friends of Casco Bay elected David Kaufman of South Freeport to the Board of Directors of the conservation organization. Kaufman says, “Being a lifelong sailor and having spent years with family on Casco Bay and the Maine coast, I look forward to participating in efforts to maintain Casco Bay’s health and sustainability.”

Recognition

Adele Nichols, team lead in the Personal Insurance Department at Clark Insurance, received the 2019 Insurance Professional of the Year award at the Insurance Professionals of Greater Portland’s All Industry Night on April 25. 

Tucker

Full Plates Full Potential co-founder Justin Alfond, left, receives the latest donation from Go Big for Hunger’s Greg Martens. The funds were a raised through ticketed Go Big For Hunger’s concerts this year, including Tyrone Vaughn at Portland House of Music.

NicholsKaufman