United Way of Southern Maine presented community service awards to individuals for their exemplary volunteer service to the Southern Maine community at their recent Board meeting. Todd Cesca, Senior Financial Advisor at Charter Oak Capital Management was presented the Elise Kittredge Award and Bill Fletcher, General Counsel at the Maine Community College System, was presented the Bert Andrews Volunteer Award.
“It is an honor to recognize these individuals for their meaningful acts of generosity and their leadership around last year’s merger of United Way of York County and United Way of
Greater Portland to form United Way of Southern Maine,” shared Liz Cotter Schlax, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Maine. “Both awards have honored some of the most exceptional, committed, and steadfast leaders in all of Southern Maine, and Bill and Todd are worthy and inspiring recipients.”
The Elise Kittredge Award, historically given by United Way of York County, recognizes volunteers who help effect long-lasting changes in the community through their exceptional contribution of time, talent, and financial resources to United Way.
The Kittredge award recipient, Todd Cesca, has volunteered with United Way for at least two decades. He served on various community investment teams, evaluating funded partners, and recommending where in community United Way should invest. He chaired United Way of Greater Portland’s Education investment team, served as an inaugural member of the Thrive2027 Goal 1 Cabinet, then served on the United Way of York County Board, including as Board Chair, and led the York County merger team. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of United Way of Southern Maine’s Board, and very capably chairs the Community Impact Steering Committee. He gives selflessly to community, always with a kind spirit and interest in listening to others.
The Bert Andrews Award, historically given by United Way of Greater Portland, recognizes a United Way volunteer who best exhibits Bert Andrews’ can-do spirit through their commitment, enthusiasm, and caring.
The Andrews award recipient, Bill Fletcher, joined United Way of Greater Portland’s Board in 2010. Over his many years of service, Fletcher has held numerous positions on the board, including Treasurer, Finance Committee chair, Community Impact Steering Committee Chair, as well as Vice-Chair and Board Chair, where he led the Greater Portland merger team. Bill also served on the Board Development & Governance Committee and was a key member of the 211 Maine Board. He gives tireless to the Southern Maine community, always with a collaborative style and great sense of humor.
About United Way of Southern Maine
United Way of Southern Maine (UWSM)’s mission is to improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. UWSM unites individuals and organizations around our community’s shared vision to improve education, financial stability, and health for every person in Southern Maine. With community partners, UWSM builds on strategies that are known to achieve the best results, and rigorously evaluates progress toward those goals. UWSM actively seeks to engage donors, advocates, and volunteers to create measurable, long-lasting community change. Learn more at uwsme.org.
About Elise Kittredge
Elise Kittredge was a special friend of United Way of York County and the York County community. A resident of Biddeford Pool, Mrs. Kittredge possessed a rich vitality, zest for life, and profoundly caring spirit until her death in 1996. She believed strongly in United Way and its ability to touch many issues, organizations, and people with just one gift.
About Bert Andrews
Carl D. (Bert) Andrews was a longtime United Way of Greater Portland volunteer and Board Chair (1994 – 1996). Bert was widely respected as a leader in the business community and thoroughly enjoyed helping other people achieve success. He loved to laugh and did so frequently and approached each day with an infectious “seize the day” mentality. Bert set the bar for service with his caring spirit through his commitment, enthusiasm, and support of United Way and its mission.
