On August 22, a quintessential Maine summer day featuring everything from bright, sunny skies to a sudden downpour and a stunning double rainbow, United Midcoast Charities gathered with friends and supporters to celebrate the organization’s grantee organizations, honor its Community Champions, present the Sani Award for Philanthropic Excellence to Karen Foxwell, and launch its 2025 fundraising campaign.

Partygoers at the Belfast Yacht Club & Event Center took in breathtaking views of Belfast Bay, enjoyed delicious food and drink, participated in an engaging silent auction, and won unique door prizes. The prizes included a one-of-a-kind plein-air painting created by Mary Ann Heinzen-Hackett during the event.

“We were delighted to honor the individuals who tirelessly carry out our mission and to celebrate the generous supporters who make our work possible,” said UMC Executive Director Becca Gildred. “The evening was a beautiful blend of recognition and gratitude. I am incredibly proud of the impactful work UMC does to amplify the efforts of our partner agencies throughout the Midcoast region.”

Cellardoor Winery, Rockport Steel, O’Hara Corporation, and Front Street Shipyard generously sponsored the event.

Local businesses supported the event by donating silent auction items.

Contributors include 250 Main Hotel, 40 Paper, Ada’s Kitchen, A Morning In Maine, Acadia Ebike Adventure, Allagash Brewing Co., ALLPLaY Family Entertainment Center, American Flatbread, American Ghost Walks, Amy Jenner, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., Bay Chamber Concerts, Bay View Collection, Bears Den Billiards & Trapt Escape Rooms, Beaver Lodge, Bistro La Cave, Blue Barren Distillery & Restaurant, Boston Red Sox, Camden Conference, CedarWorks, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Christine’s Framing Gallery, City Drawers, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Colburn Shoe Store, Delvino’s Grill & Pasta House, Dot’s Market, Dry Dock Restaurant, Farnsworth Art Museum, Flowers by Hoboken, Front Street Pub, Goose River Golf Club, Graffam Bros. Seafood Market, The Grasshopper Shop, Hey Sailor, House of Logan, Jess’s Market, Jesse Tobias Designs, L.L. Bean, Leonard’s, Loyal Biscuit Co., The LimeRock Inn, Maine Island Trail Association, Maine Mariners, Maine Media, Maine State Credit Union, Mainely Gallery & Studio, McLaughlin Seafood, Midcoast Recreation Center, MountainSea Expeditions, Once A Tree, Pen Bay YMCA, Planet Toys, Nina June, RAYR – The Wine Shop, Rockland Golf Club, Sailing Vessel Owl, Strand Theatre, Symmetree Base Camp, The Craignair Inn by the Sea, The Everyman Repertory Theatre, The Pour Farm, The Samoset Resort, The Smiling Cow, The Waterfront Restaurant, The Wharf at Lyman-Morse, TOPO Gallery, Waldo County YMCA, Winifred & Evalyn, and Wooden Alchemy.

United Midcoast Charities plays a pivotal role in providing financial support, strategic guidance, and tangible resources to Midcoast nonprofits providing services in the areas of food, housing, health & safety, and economic security. UMC strengthens these community-focused organizations to achieve their missions more effectively and have a greater impact.