BATH — Having nearly reached its $41,000 fundraising goal last year, Main Street Bath is ready to launch its 2013 campaign.

The economic and community development booster program – which was one of five organizations last year to earn the Great American Main Street Award – raised nearly $36,000 in 2012, about 88 percent of its goal.

The organization also received $20,000 in city allocations for economic development toward its nearly $100,000 annual operating budget. That budget includes funds for events, marketing, downtown beautification and administration.

“We want to really get the most value out of every dollar that we have,” Director Jennifer Geiger said Tuesday. “… We look for ways to do things as efficiently as we can without cutting back on our activities.”

Main Street Bath’s 2012 campaign raised about $1,500 more than its 2011 campaign, which had the same goal, she said. This year’s goal will likely be the same.

Last year’s community support came from more than 200 gifts, Geiger said, noting that “it’s important to us, and it’s important to the community that we are grass-roots and that we are supported by … mostly a lot of small donations. The organization belongs to the community.

“We operate it mainly by volunteers, but we’re supported by the community,” Geiger added. “That means a lot, in terms of feeling good about our mission.”

Those interested in helping out can call Main Street Bath at 442-7291, e-mail director@visitbath.com or log onto visitbath.com/shop/donate-to-main-street-bath.

Alex Lear can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @learics.

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