21-11-2008 16:07:21
Governor proclaims Elsie Pike Viles "First Lady of Augusta and Maine"
Governor John Baldacci proclaimed noted Augusta philanthropist Elsie Pike
Viles “the First Lady of Augusta and the state of Maine” On March 12 during a ceremony in which Viles also earned the 2007 Distinguished Service to Philanthropy Award from the New England Association for Healthcare Philanthropy.
Viles’ impressive, decades-long legacy of financial gifts and service to
MaineGeneral Health and many other central Maine non-profit organizations earned her the distinction at the NEAHP annual convention at the Samoset Resort. Based in Waltham, Mass., NEAHP is a not-for-profit professional association dedicated to the advancement of healthcare philanthropy.
Viles – a woman of affluence and conviction who has generously supported many landmark projects and efforts – was nominated for the award by Maribeth Canning, vice president of philanthropy for MaineGeneral Health. Canning said the decision to nominate the 93-year-old Viles was an easy one.
“Her life is an extraordinary example of service to others,” she said. “Elsie derives the greatest joy in giving to others. The organizations she has befriended are selected because of a deep personal belief and attachment to their mission and the individuals they serve.”
Surrounded by friends, family and wellwishers among an audience of about 200 people, Viles said she was overwhelmed with the festivities surrounding the award, which included a video tribute and a gubernatorial
proclamation recognizing her as “the First Lady of Augusta and the state of Maine” for the day.
“It isn’t very usual that I’m overwhelmed, but I am. I came here thinking this was some little gathering,” she said, causing the crowd to erupt with laughter. “It’s like my birthday and Christmas all combined.”
“This an important event for a lady who doesn’t want recognition but really truly believes in making things better,” he said. “For us to be able to recognize Elsie, we’re also sending a message to others about the standard she’s established and the improvements she’s made (for many organizations)."
Viles “the First Lady of Augusta and the state of Maine” On March 12 during a ceremony in which Viles also earned the 2007 Distinguished Service to Philanthropy Award from the New England Association for Healthcare Philanthropy.
Viles’ impressive, decades-long legacy of financial gifts and service to
MaineGeneral Health and many other central Maine non-profit organizations earned her the distinction at the NEAHP annual convention at the Samoset Resort. Based in Waltham, Mass., NEAHP is a not-for-profit professional association dedicated to the advancement of healthcare philanthropy.
Viles – a woman of affluence and conviction who has generously supported many landmark projects and efforts – was nominated for the award by Maribeth Canning, vice president of philanthropy for MaineGeneral Health. Canning said the decision to nominate the 93-year-old Viles was an easy one.
“Her life is an extraordinary example of service to others,” she said. “Elsie derives the greatest joy in giving to others. The organizations she has befriended are selected because of a deep personal belief and attachment to their mission and the individuals they serve.”
Surrounded by friends, family and wellwishers among an audience of about 200 people, Viles said she was overwhelmed with the festivities surrounding the award, which included a video tribute and a gubernatorial
proclamation recognizing her as “the First Lady of Augusta and the state of Maine” for the day.
“It isn’t very usual that I’m overwhelmed, but I am. I came here thinking this was some little gathering,” she said, causing the crowd to erupt with laughter. “It’s like my birthday and Christmas all combined.”
“This an important event for a lady who doesn’t want recognition but really truly believes in making things better,” he said. “For us to be able to recognize Elsie, we’re also sending a message to others about the standard she’s established and the improvements she’s made (for many organizations)."
Addressing the audience afterreceiving the award from NEAHP President Peter Dubay,Viles said successful philanthropy involves a contributor who wishes to have a positive impact and a receiver who applies the donor’s gift to efforts that maintain the spirit in which the gift was made.
“When it’s all complete, it’s great and an honor to the donor and to the community. That’s what it’s all about,” she said. Viles concluded her remarks with an instruction to the audience taken from the Book of Matthew, Chapter 10: “Freely you have received; freely give.”
Viles has called Augusta home for most of her life. She moved to the city as a young child and was educated in Augusta schools, graduating from Cony High School in 1931. After high school, she attended a secretarial program for women that prepared her for the business world. Hired by the Kennebec Journal to work in its Job Department, she
remained with the company for the next 25 years.
She married William Viles in 1955 and the couple became partners
in their philanthropy, dedicating a great deal of their time and wealth to the betterment of Maine non-profits.
After William Viles died in 1986, Elsie continued his legacy by maintaining close ties with several of the charitable organizations they patronized, carving out her own unique path and building on the couple’s commitments. She created a foundation in his honor in 1991 and then quietly made her mark in the philanthropic world of Maine.
One of Viles’ deep passions has been the Alzheimer’s Care Center
in Gardiner, which she has supported for many years. She dedicated
her initial gift in 1989 to her late husband’s memory and subsequent gifts have supported staffing, respite care, staff education and training and patient services. An additional gift in 2003 provided financial support for
construction of the 1,400-squarefoot Prudence V. Webster Wing at the center.
Most recently, Viles provided generous financial support for the
construction of the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care in Augusta. Her gift will enable patients to enjoy an extensive healing garden in keeping with the holistic philosophy of the center’s design.
“Elsie is a philanthropist in the truest sense of the word, seeking only to enhance the lives of others,” Canning said. “Her gifts are deeply personal and reflect her values and passion.”
Governor John Baldacci presented Augusta resident Elsie Pike Viles with the First Lady's Pendant during a March 12 recognition luncheon at the Samoset Resort in Rockport.