Brunswick couple Lennie Burke and Bob Beaumont are leading United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s 2015 Annual Campaign, which kicks off today.

According to a news release, Burke and Beaumont are excited about this year’s theme of “Together We Can” and are optimistic about the Midcoast’s capacity to raise funds for its community.

“Every piece of United Way’s work is important,” said Burke, vice president and market manager of Norway Savings Bank.

Burke first got involved with United Way at the start of her 34- year career at Downeast Energy where the Morrell family encouraged participation.

“ Everyone has the opportunity to give back to the community through the United Way campaign,” said Burke. “This is a full community effort that everyone is invited to join — I know people who have benefited from United Way funded services who give back through the campaign and enjoy doing so.”

According to the news release, Burke continues to champion the work of United Way, because it is clear where the money goes.

“ United Way has a commitment to understanding local needs and is helping local people,” Burke said.

“United Way is a leader in the nonprofit sector; they are the make-it-happen people,” said Beaumont, a retired minister and current hospice chaplain at CHANS. “It’s stimulating to be a part of that team … we have amazing participation by significant community leaders and we’re truly helping our neighbors.”

Nearly a decade ago, Beaumont was invited to serve on the Safe and Healthy Community Council at United Way, which he says was an eye opener.

Beaumont named successes he has witnessed at UWMCM, including the launch of the current Early Childhood Initiative called Best Start. “ It’s all happening because of United Way,” he said.

Proceeds from the 2015 campaign will fund a wide range of services for Midcoast Mainers, including programs that address food insecurity, literacy, respite care, home weatherization, job support for people with disabilities and access to high-quality and affordable child care. United Way also works on prevention through initiatives like Best Start.

The 2015 campaign begins today with a kickoff event at 4:30 p.m. at the Maine Maritime Museum, where key campaign volunteers will be introduced and the campaign goal will be announced. United Way’s Diaper Project will be celebrating its one-year anniversary with a diaper drive at the Kick-off. All community members are welcome to attend. Call United Way at (207) 443-9752 to sign up.

For more information about United Way of Mid Coast Maine and the upcoming annual campaign, visit uwmcm.org. Learn more about the United Way at facebook.com/uwmcm.

United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. In partnership with thousands of donors, United Way works to improve education, financial stability, and health for people in Brunswick and Harpswell, Sagadahoc and Lincoln Counties.

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