WATERVILLE -- More than 150 community volunteers and business people gathered Tuesday evening at the Holiday Inn to celebrate United Way of Mid-Maine's campaign finale.

Tina Chapman, president and chief professional officer of United Way of Mid-Maine, said the agency had set "a very aggressive goal this year -- $758,670, which is almost $30,000 more than last year."

At its finale, the agency representatives announced that it expects to reach at least 97 percent of that goal. "That, during a time of economic uncertainty, is incredibly heartening for this community," Chapman said.

"Although some of our campaigns decreased a bit, which we expected, we've had new businesses and new givers this year, which has been very encouraging," she said.

Campaign Chairman John Dalton, chief executive of Inland Hospital, was pleased as well. "We've had several campaigns in each division that did very well. They have either increased their campaign, had an increase in participation, or have had very creative ideas for their company's campaign."

Outstanding company campaigns also were celebrated Tuesday evening. Those who received awards were Catholic Charities of Maine, Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers, Youth & Family Services, Unity College, the Town of Winslow, SAD 48, Merrill Bank in Waterville, Kennebec Savings Bank, Winslow Community Federal Credit Union, Redington-Fairview General Hospital, Lakewood Continuing Care Center, Inland Hospital, Central Maine Power-Fairfield and Skowhegan, Plum Creek, Madison Paper, Johnny's Selected Seeds and Huhtamaki.

L.L. Bean was given the the United Way of Mid-Maine's annual George E. Keller Award, for demonstrating outstanding leadership in an in-house campaign. Sappi Fine Paper and its employees received the Mid-Maine chapter's Diamond Club Award, for demonstrating extraordinary commitment and contribution to United Way.

Members of the 2008-09 United Way of Mid-Maine Campaign cabinet, or volunteer leaders, were honored as well. They are Chairman John Dalton, Dan and Joanne Booth, Ann Brooks, Steve Chapman, George Coleman, Rhonda Emerson, Ray Haskell, Bob Marden, Tom McAdam, Mike Michaud, Karen Van Orman, Gary Poulin, Debra Silva, Bart and Pat Stevens, Peter Thiboutot, Barbara Woodlee and Lucille Zelenkewich.

The evening ended with music provided by the Messalonskee Mastersingers, of Messalonskee High School, directed by Pam and Kevin Rhein.