Thank You For Making 12 Days of Giving So Special

December 29, 2025By

This December, United Midcoast Charities was thrilled to see a longtime tradition take new shape with our reimagined 12 Days of Giving. Expanding our former Day of Giving created more opportunities to shop local, give local, and support the Midcoast nonprofits and neighbors who rely on a strong community safety net.

Twenty-six local businesses participated, each giving back in their own way — from donating a portion of sales to matching customer gifts and offering special promotions. A big thank-you to The Green Store in Belfast, which kicked things off by donating 32% of sales during its anniversary weekend, and to all our partners who kept the momentum going throughout the event.

We’re deeply grateful to every participating business, every customer who chose to shop local, and our generous 12 Days of Giving sponsor, Allen Insurance & Financial. Together, you helped strengthen our local economy while supporting food access, housing stability, health and safety, and economic security across Knox and Waldo Counties.

And we’re not stopping there — in 2026, we’re expanding to 25 Days of Giving, opening the door to even more local businesses and even more community impact.

Thank you to the local participating businesses and to everyone who shopped locally, helping strengthen the local economy and support our community during the 12 Days of Giving.

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Public Events

UMC hosts 3rd Annual Gingerbread Spectacular

December 8, 2025By

What a joyful weekend at United Midcoast Charities’ Gingerbread Spectacular, held during Camden’s Christmas by the Sea! We loved welcoming community members who stopped in to admire the creations, vote for favorites, learn more about UMC, and snap a photo with our giant gingerbread man.

Thank you to everyone who baked, built, visited, voted, bid, and donated — your enthusiasm made this event truly special. A special shout-out to Coastal Community Recovery Center and Midcoast Regional Housing Trust, two UMC grantees who shared their missions while showcasing incredible gingerbread creations.

2025 Gingerbread Spectacular Winners

• 1st Place Adult Professional: Jessica Bailey
• 1st Place Adult Amateur: Beverly Scott
• 2nd Place Adult Amateur: Bangor Savings Bank
• 3rd Place Adult Amateur: Karrie Tribbe
• 1st Place Youth: Marissa Gildred
• 2nd Place Youth: Ava Croce
• 3rd Place Youth: Kara Croce
• People’s Choice Award: Scott’s Place

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors who made it all possible:

16 Bay View Hotel, Adventure Advertising, Brio Custom, Wallace Events, Maine Coast Construction, Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, and Midcoast Villager.

Events like this remind us how much creativity, generosity, and holiday spirit live in our community — and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make the Gingerbread Spectacular a sweet success.

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Public Events

Otter Tee Auction Raises $1,450 for UMC’s Urgent Needs Grant Pool

November 15, 2025By

United Midcoast Charities recently hosted a special Otter Tee Auction after a generous local community member donated one of the newly reissued Otter T-shirts that gained national attention after being worn by Taylor Swift and sparking millions in charitable giving. The shirts sold out almost immediately and are now extremely difficult to find, creating a unique opportunity to raise funds locally.

UMC launched the auction to support its Urgent Needs Grant pool, with a focus on helping feed Midcoast families while SNAP benefits remained in limbo. The fundraiser highlighted a simple but urgent truth: no parent should have to wonder how they will feed their children in the coming weeks.

The online auction raised a total of $1,450 for local food programs. United Midcoast Charities extends special thanks to Lisa Gorman of Yarmouth, whose winning bid, along with additional donations, made the fundraiser a success. These funds will help UMC provide timely support to neighbors facing food insecurity across Knox and Waldo Counties.

UMC also offers sincere gratitude to the local community member who donated the hard-to-find otter tee, making it possible to turn a moment of national attention into meaningful impact for Midcoast Maine families.

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Food

Waldo County Emergency Food Summit

October 31, 2025By

On October 31, Waldo Community Action Partners (WCAP) hosted its Emergency Food Summit in Belfast—a gathering of nonprofits, food pantries, schools, municipal and faith‑based leaders, and community partners working to address food insecurity across Waldo County.

The summit comes at a critical moment: many households face uncertainty as food assistance programs shift and benefits change.

Collaboration in action

UMC, along with several of our grantee organizations, participated, bringing experience and insight to the conversation:

The passionate turnout to this event underscores that tackling food insecurity is not just about providing meals—it’s about strengthening connections, sharing resources, and coordinating efforts across organizations. UMC is proud to play a central convening role, connecting partners and helping prevent small gaps from becoming bigger holes in the safety net every day.

 

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Events

UMC Records First Be the Tide Volunteer of the Month Radio Segments with 105.5 The Wave

October 22, 2025By

United Midcoast Charities recently recorded its first-ever Be the Tide – Volunteer of the Month radio segments as part of its collaboration with 105.5 The Wave, marking an exciting milestone for the program. The November and December segments were recorded in the studio with Don Shields and will air regularly on the station.

November’s segment featured Volunteer of the Month Marisa Fiorito, a familiar and dedicated presence at UMC. During her recording, Marisa shared what inspired her to begin volunteering, the fulfillment she finds in giving back, and the importance of showing up consistently for the community.

The December segment highlighted Cricket Fuller of PeoplePlace. Cricket spoke about the critical role quality childcare plays for working families and how UMC’s grant support helps bridge the gap between state subsidies and the true cost of providing high-quality care. She emphasized the long-term impact this support has on children, families, and communities.

The recorded segments now rotate daily on 105.5 The Wave at 8:20 AM, 11:20 AM, and 4:20 PM, helping shine a spotlight on volunteers and the organizations they support.

United Midcoast Charities looks forward to continuing the Be the Tide – Volunteer of the Month radio series and celebrating more outstanding volunteers from nonprofits across Knox and Waldo Counties in future recordings.

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Unlocking Fundraising Success: UMC’s October LEARN@UMC Workshop with CCS Fundraising

October 16, 2025By

United Midcoast Charities successfully hosted its October LEARN@UMC workshop, Unlocking Success: Choosing the Right Fundraising Counsel for Your Organization, bringing together nonprofit leaders, board members, and development staff for a highly engaging and practical learning experience.

Led by Sarah Emerson, Senior Vice President at CCS Fundraising, the session provided attendees with clear, actionable guidance on how to evaluate and select the right fundraising consultant for their organization. Participants walked away with a stronger understanding of when and why to engage outside counsel, how consultants can complement in-house development teams, and what criteria matter most when assessing organizational fit.

The workshop was widely praised for its interactive format and real-world relevance. Emerson shared concrete examples from her extensive career, helping attendees connect strategic concepts to the everyday realities faced by small and mid-sized nonprofits. Her approachable and thoughtful presentation style created a welcoming environment that encouraged questions, discussion, and peer learning throughout the session.

Nonprofits in attendance reported gaining practical tools and increased confidence to make informed decisions that support long-term fundraising success. The session reinforced the value of strategic partnerships and underscored how the right guidance can strengthen sustainability and impact.

This workshop was part of UMC’s ongoing LEARN@UMC series, which is designed to provide timely, high-quality professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of nonprofits serving Midcoast Maine communities.

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UMC Holds Waldo County Volunteer Recruitment Expo

October 14, 2025By

United Midcoast Charities successfully hosted the Waldo County Volunteer Recruitment Expo at the Waldo County YMCA in Belfast, bringing together nonprofit organizations and community members eager to get involved and give back.

The free, public event created a welcoming space for attendees to meet directly with nonprofits serving Knox and Waldo Counties, learn about a wide range of volunteer opportunities, and explore ways their interests, skills, and availability could support critical community needs. From one-time commitments to ongoing roles, the expo highlighted the many ways volunteers strengthen local organizations.

Nonprofits participating in the expo valued the opportunity to connect face-to-face with potential volunteers and share the impact of their work. Community members appreciated the accessible, one-stop format, which made it easy to ask questions, gather information, and discover causes that resonated with them.

The success of the expo also drew local media attention, with WABI TV 5 covering the event and highlighting it as a “one-stop shop” for community engagement. The coverage helped amplify the importance of volunteerism and the vital role local nonprofits play across Knox and Waldo Counties.

Watch the WABI TV 5 segment here: https://www.wabi.tv/2025/10/14/volunteer-expo-presents-one-stop-shop-community-engagement/

United Midcoast Charities extends sincere thanks to all of the nonprofits and community members who participated, as well as event sponsors Waldo County YMCA, 106.9 Frank FM, and 105.5 The Wave, whose support made the event possible.

 

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Events

Christopher Beebe Receives 2025 Award for Philanthropic Excellence

September 22, 2025By

United Midcoast Charities Presents Award for Philanthropic Excellence to Christopher Beebe at Rising Tide Party

United Midcoast Charities (UMC) presented its 2025 Award for Philanthropic Excellence to Christopher Beebe during its annual Rising Tide Party, held Thursday, August 21, at the Sail, Power & Steam Museum Boathouse in Rockland. The event welcomed community members, donors, and nonprofit partners for an evening celebrating the strength of local philanthropy and the impact of collective giving.

The award presentation was one of several moments that highlighted the generosity of the Midcoast community. Beebe was honored for his lifelong commitment to civic engagement and philanthropy. A consistent and trusted advocate for the region, he served on UMC’s board of directors for nine years, concluding his term in December 2024, and has long been recognized as a Community Champion. His support spans decades and has impacted thousands across the Midcoast.

As co-founder of Steel-Pro in Rockland, Beebe helped grow the company into a nationally respected manufacturer of custom stainless-steel products. In 2014, he transitioned the business to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), ensuring its continued success would benefit local employees. Alongside his late wife, Charlotte, he made a transformative gift to establish the Charlotte and Christopher Beebe Health Center at Pen Bay Medical Center, expanding access to primary care and pediatric services for thousands of Midcoast residents.

“Christopher Beebe embodies the spirit of community philanthropy,” said Jim Hengerer, Board Chair of United Midcoast Charities. “His generosity and quiet leadership have helped shape the Midcoast in lasting ways. We’re proud to recognize his legacy as part of an evening that celebrates the power of giving.”

Looking ahead, UMC will open up the nomination process for the Award for Philanthropic Excellence to the broader Midcoast community beginning in January 2026. This new approach will invite public participation in recognizing individuals whose generosity strengthens life in Knox and Waldo counties—ensuring the award reflects the voices and values of the region.

The Rising Tide Party was made possible thanks to the generous support of Cellardoor Winery, Maine State Credit Union, Bangor Savings Bank, Machias Savings Bank, Front Street Shipyard, O’Hara Corporation, and CedarWorks. Their partnership helped create a memorable evening that underscored the essential role of philanthropy in sustaining local nonprofit programs.

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Agency Events

Record $650,000 Distributed to Support Safety Net

September 22, 2025By

United Midcoast Charities Distributes Record $650,000 to Local Nonprofits at Annual Grantee Breakfast; Event Highlights Collaboration Between Philanthropy, Journalism, and Nonprofits

Camden, Maine — September 17, 2025 — United Midcoast Charities (UMC) marked a moment of celebration yesterday as it distributed a record $650,000 in grants to 43 local nonprofits at its annual Grantee Breakfast. The morning was filled with energy, pride, and gratitude as donors, nonprofit leaders, and community members came together to honor the work that strengthens the Midcoast.

The program featured a lively conversation with Aaron Britt, Publisher of The Midcoast Villager, and Lisa DeSisto of the Maine Community Foundation’s Press Forward Maine initiative, moderated by UMC Executive Director Becca Gildred. The discussion highlighted the power of collaboration between local journalism and nonprofits in sharing stories of achievement and building stronger connections across the community. Following the discussion, grantee representatives were given the opportunity to ask questions about how to collaborate with local media to share their successes and highlight the impact of their work, giving attendees practical insights and inspiration for strengthening the connection between nonprofits and the broader community.

“This year’s record grant distribution reflects both the generosity of our donors and the incredible dedication of our nonprofit partners,” said Gildred. “Having the Villager join us reinforces our shared belief that celebrating successes and telling these stories brings our community closer together.”

UMC extends heartfelt thanks to the Samoset Resort for its sponsorship and to the passionate staff, boards, and volunteers of its grantee partners. Together, their dedication is creating a Midcoast where generosity, creativity, and community spirit thrive.

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Agency Events

Permission to Pause: A Different Kind of LEARN@UMC

June 25, 2025By

On June 18, we tried something new.

Instead of another skills-based training or panel discussion, LEARN@UMC invited nonprofit leaders across Knox and Waldo Counties to do one radical thing: intentionally practice self-care.

It was a 90-minute window set aside for intentional self-care—no Zoom link, no agenda, no to-do list. Just time to be.

The work of caring for our communities never lets up. As funding shifts and need grows, nonprofit professionals are often the ones holding everything together. But that kind of responsibility takes a toll. So we created space to breathe.

Ten people RSVP’d and five followed through with the full 90-minute experience. And the stories they shared afterward? Honest, grounded, and deeply human.

Some chose movement—walking outside or joining a virtual wellness program. Others connected with loved ones or allowed themselves a slower morning. Each reflection was a powerful reminder that small, intentional acts of self-care are not just restorative—they’re essential.

To encourage participation and celebrate everyone who made time to care for themselves, we offered a special incentive: each person who submitted a reflection was entered into a drawing to win a 60-minute massage gift certificate. A small gesture, but one that underscores just how much rest and restoration matter—especially for those doing hard work in service of others.

Below, we’ve gathered participant photos and reflections. We hope they inspire you to carve out your own moments of rest and reflection in the days ahead. Because you can’t pour from an empty cup—and you shouldn’t have to try.

Thank you to all who participated. And congratulations to our massage gift certificate winner!

👇 See how your fellow changemakers spent their time.

In between the raindrops, I got to weed a section of my front patio, while listening to a self-help podcast. I also purchased one of many flowers that will be planted this weekend in our yard. It was a nice respite from budget emails and meetings and I could take my stress out on pesky weeds!

 

 

Even though my morning was full of interruptions and demands, I stuck to my commitment of self-care. As I walked down a path on our campus I was being watched by a doe. Her presence centered me as she stood still, as if she was giving me permission to find my stillness.

My time was finally used for joining an online yoga, nutrition, and healthy choices tracking app with a 24/7 coach who helps keep me accountable with electronic journaling of daily health related activities. I’m already noticing more energy from healthier food and exercise choices. Who knew?!

 

 

Spending extra time with my 94‑year‑old mother provides invaluable emotional support to us both. These moments also honor her life’s story and wisdom, while creating shared memories that enrich both her sense of purpose and my own.

Today as I practiced what I was preaching. . . I turned off my alarm and woke up when my body naturally wanted to and still gave myself time to exercise. So often I choose between waking up early to exercise or catching a few extra zzzz’s today I got to do both! Self-care and boundaries are so important. For years I’ve coached employees, friends, family that if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t have what it takes to successfully care of anything else this world throws at you.

 

 

 

 

I was on vacation for this event. [Taking care of myself!] Being in the woods after a motorcycle ride is so freeing. There’s nothing like it.

10 Easy Self-Care Ideas You Can Do at Your Desk

If a full 90-minute break feels out of reach, try one of these 10-minute resets during your day:

  1. Breathe deeply – Try a simple 4-7-8 breathing exercise to reset your nervous system.

  2. Stretch it out – Stand up, reach for the sky, and roll your shoulders. Your body will thank you.

  3. Make a real cup of tea or coffee – Step away from your screen while it brews, and sip it slowly.

  4. Write a gratitude list – Just 3 things. It shifts perspective fast.

  5. Listen to one favorite song – Really listen. Maybe even dance in your chair.

  6. Go outside for fresh air – Even a few minutes in nature can calm your mind.

  7. Look at something beautiful – Art, photos, or a plant. Let your eyes rest on something you enjoy.

  8. Do a 10-minute guided meditation – Use apps like Insight Timer, Headspace, or Calm.

  9. Journal one page – Dump your thoughts or answer a simple prompt like “How do I feel right now?”

  10. Reach out to a friend – Send a quick message just to say hi. Connection is care.

You deserve time to care for yourself—at work and beyond. Let this be your reminder.

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