The Gathering 2024
Photo Credits – United Way NEXT
Thursday Evening Lobster Bake
Pictured Left to Right
Row 1 – (seated/kneeling) Meg Baxter, Bonnie Duncan, Susan Gilmore, Susan Dunn, Carole Peters, Patrick Jinks.
Row 2 - (seated) Terry Tolan, Joe Tolan, Connie Hodges, Susan Frick,
Row 3 – (standing) Paula Gilberto, Barb Wentworth, John Libby, Barbara Edmond, DJ Hampton, Ann Fox, Roger Frick, Paul DeBassio, Sue Suter, Ben Gilmore, Andy Abrahms
Thursday Evening Lobster Bake
Pictured Left to Right
Row 1 – (seated/kneeling) Meg Baxter, Bonnie Duncan, Susan Gilmore, Susan Dunn, Carole Peters, Patrick Jinks.
Row 2 - (seated) Terry Tolan, Joe Tolan, Connie Hodges, Susan Frick,
Row 3 – (standing) Paula Gilberto, Barb Wentworth, John Libby, Barbara Edmond, DJ Hampton, Ann Fox, Roger Frick, Paul DeBassio, Sue Suter, Ben Gilmore, Andy Abrahms
GATHERING 2024
Portland, Maine - September 23-27, 2024
Author: Barbara Edmond
Over the span of four days in late September, former and current United Way colleagues gathered in Portland, Maine, to connect, explore, renew old friendships and make new ones. The group encompassed 30 talented professionals, ranging from those working at United Way of America in the 1980s and 1990s to leaders in the subsequent decades from across the country, four current UW CEOs, and our own CEO, Carole Peters. We toured Portland, visited lighthouses and historical sites, and had an amazing experience learning about the work of the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition to welcome and assist asylum seekers and refugees. Side trips included the Winslow Homer Studio on Prout’s Neck and a tour of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. Special thanks to co-hosts Meg Baxter and Barbara Edmond for making this all possible and Diane Lebson for assisting with the planning of the gathering. A week of amazing food adventures culminated with a ferry ride to Peak’s Island and a traditional lobster dinner with all the fixings. Most gratifying was learning about what this active group is currently doing through United Way NEXT and elsewhere in their communities. Laughter and memories abounded as did discussions about past and current successes and the challenges facing local United Ways today. One could not help but walk away marveling at the strong legacy of United Way, its resiliency through thick and thin, and the dedicated professionals who continue to lead and make an impact in communities every day. Carry on friends…it was great to be together. Until NEXT time!
Over the span of four days in late September, former and current United Way colleagues gathered in Portland, Maine, to connect, explore, renew old friendships and make new ones. The group encompassed 30 talented professionals, ranging from those working at United Way of America in the 1980s and 1990s to leaders in the subsequent decades from across the country, four current UW CEOs, and our own CEO, Carole Peters. We toured Portland, visited lighthouses and historical sites, and had an amazing experience learning about the work of the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition to welcome and assist asylum seekers and refugees. Side trips included the Winslow Homer Studio on Prout’s Neck and a tour of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. Special thanks to co-hosts Meg Baxter and Barbara Edmond for making this all possible and Diane Lebson for assisting with the planning of the gathering. A week of amazing food adventures culminated with a ferry ride to Peak’s Island and a traditional lobster dinner with all the fixings. Most gratifying was learning about what this active group is currently doing through United Way NEXT and elsewhere in their communities. Laughter and memories abounded as did discussions about past and current successes and the challenges facing local United Ways today. One could not help but walk away marveling at the strong legacy of United Way, its resiliency through thick and thin, and the dedicated professionals who continue to lead and make an impact in communities every day. Carry on friends…it was great to be together. Until NEXT time!
List of Gathering Participants
Andy Abrams, Meg Baxter, Liz Cotter Schlax, Karen Davie, Paul DeBassio, Bonnie Duncan, Susan Dunn, Barbara Edmond, Nicole Evans, Ann Fox, Roger Frick, Susan Frick, Paula Gilberto, Ben Gilmore, Susan Gilmore, Rob Gordon, DJ Hampton II, Connie Hodges, Garrison Hull, Patrick Jinks, Chris Kerrigan, John Libby, Peter Lindsay, Katie Murphy, Carole Peters, Barbara Reinertsen, Sue Suter, Joe Tolan, Terry Tolan, Barb Wentworth and Courtney Yeager. Registered Participants who were unable to attend: Cheryl Foster, Diane Lebson, and Carl Zapora.
Andy Abrams, Meg Baxter, Liz Cotter Schlax, Karen Davie, Paul DeBassio, Bonnie Duncan, Susan Dunn, Barbara Edmond, Nicole Evans, Ann Fox, Roger Frick, Susan Frick, Paula Gilberto, Ben Gilmore, Susan Gilmore, Rob Gordon, DJ Hampton II, Connie Hodges, Garrison Hull, Patrick Jinks, Chris Kerrigan, John Libby, Peter Lindsay, Katie Murphy, Carole Peters, Barbara Reinertsen, Sue Suter, Joe Tolan, Terry Tolan, Barb Wentworth and Courtney Yeager. Registered Participants who were unable to attend: Cheryl Foster, Diane Lebson, and Carl Zapora.
