“ALTHOUGH FAR APART, WE CAME TOGETHER TO HELP SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY IN A TIME OF CRISIS”
Together, we were able to remotely connect with 3,329 individual donors that donated over $300,000 in COVID-19 relief funding. Through individual donations and an array of Maine business leaders providing support through essential corporate sponsorship we collectively raised an amazing $634,641 to help fund local non-profits that continue to deliver basic needs support and help throughout this pandemic to strengthen the populations we serve.
It is imperative to elaborate on the importance of the critical role that our corporate sponsorship played in the development and eventual delivery of this fundraising concept. We absolutely would not have been able to deliver the level of impact to our community without the generous donations and support of those sponsors involved with the Maine United Telethon.
We must initially recognize the brilliance of the NEWS CENTER Maine team and creative ability to envision and market a virtual mainstream fundraising event in a time of shared crisis and concern. From the initial concept and live event coverage to the technical wizardry of remotely connecting volunteers to a state-wide donor base it was apparent early on that the fundraiser was destined for success. The stunning marketing and promotion of the event within the mainstream media and added technical support coupled with increased volunteer communication made the experience both inspirational and impactful for those working the event and for all those donors who helped to generate additional funding for the betterment of our community.
An enormous and heartfelt thanks to Bangor Savings Bank for their generous initial $50,000 donation, lead support mentality and for their commitment to the Matching Mainers sponsorship concept. Bangor Savings Bank proved that “mattering more” is not just a slogan but a symbol of their investment in our community and our well-being in times of need.
As a Matching Mainers Sponsor, Central Maine Power, played an integral role in the support, success and funding of the telethon with its amazing $30,250 in corporate donations and its generous additional monetary gift to the (9) Maine United Way organizations to continue to help power the Meals on Wheels program throughout the State. We could not ask for a more amazing gift than to healthfully sustain the State’s large elderly population through critical nutritional support.
As an industry leader with Maine roots the Poland Springs Bottling Co., a member of the Nestle Waters North America family, showed their high level of support for the fundraising mission of the telethon by taking part in the matching Mainer’s sponsorship and donating an amazing $50,000 to help create stability to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Throughout the event volunteers shared many positive stories of hope, inspiration and support from the thousands of donors further justifying the idea that Mainers truly understand how to support each other in times of crisis. The telethon also helped to inspire the many volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the day and night to help create genuine impact. One volunteer tearfully described the experience as a life-altering affirmation that had renewed her belief in the kindness of the Maine community. Thank you to all of the Maine United Way organizations and affiliated partner volunteers that took time away from their families to come to the aid of the community during times of crisis.