Bangor Metro photo of the Union Trust Chefs Gala for the Maine Coast Memorial Hospital
Maine Coast Memorial Hosptital was the benefactor, but everyone benefited from this tasty night in the tropics.
The Union Trust Chefs Gala had all the spice a great themed fundraising gala needs—even steel drums and hula dancers. The main ingredients were there, too—superb food, dazzling décor, great company, and, most of all, financial success. The Ellsworth event, in addition to being a tropical blast, banked over $33,000 for Maine Coast Memorial Hospital’s breast clinic.
After a round of sampling and socializing, emcees Donna Gormley and Steve McKay from WLBZ 2 got to work helping raise $1,000 by bidding for the privilege of dining first. It was won by a generous group of friends from Bar Harbor. After dinner, the crowd enthusiastically filled the dance floor to the music of the nine-piece band RoundAbout until midnight.
A chefs gala, of course, requires chefs. The evening’s culinary pros deserve a special round of applause; their talents not only brought pleasure to the 475 guests in attendance, but helped raise funds that will save women’s lives
. They are Chip-per’s, Crocker House Country Inn, Chris Whitman, Tri-County Technical School, Bill and Loretta Fox, Nostrano’s, Pat’s Pizza, Bar Harbor Club, Fisherman’s Inn, Hancock County Technical Center for Culinary Arts, Union River Lobster Pot, Cleonice, Jonathan Chase, Lookout, Alex Grant, An American Bar and Grill, Exceptional Cakes and Favors, Finelli Pizzeria, Larry’s Pastry, Trenton Grand Rental Station, and The Ice Cream Lady.
LESLIE BOWMAN AND TORI BRITTON
R. Buckminster Fuller (1895–1983) was one of the greatest minds of the 20th century. This traveler on “spaceship Earth” found inspiration and renewal on his island home in Maine.
HENRY GARFIELD
UMaine’s Hemant Pendse is using Maine’s most prevalent natural resource to try to change the world’s energy future. So far, so good.
CRAIG IDLEBROOK
The spacious new Mt. View School is well designed, well equipped, and well attended—accommodating kindergarteners through high school seniors in one high-tech building.
CATHERINE SCHMITT
There’s more to Native American cooking than fresh veggies and wild game—there’s a rich history of survival that accompanies many a meal.
ANNALIESE JAKIMIDES
Susan Groce, dual citizen of Orono and Port Clyde, is accomplished in many ways—from delicate etching to creating a nontoxic workplace.
JOY HOLLOWELL
Ten million people in America have a sleeping disorder called sleep apnea and don’t even know it. The good news is, these sleep specialists near you can get you rested again.
NANCY GARLAND
Old Town’s Jim Page is driven to succeed. For the past 13 years, the unassuming leader has rolled up his sleeves and gotten down to business, guiding his family’s company beyond the Maine border.
CARRIE JONES AND SCOTT K FISH
Maine was one of 10 states to create the first cap-and-trade system in the country, hoping to influence national policy. Now that the U.S. Senate has proposed a nationwide cap-and-trade plan, it’s a good time to look back on what Maine has learned over the past year and weigh the options.
BRAD EDEN
Beavers are a crucial part of Maine’s ecosystem, but too much of a good thing can become a problem.
JONATHAN CARTER
High elevation wind farms are the antithesis of “going green.”
ANNALIESE JAKIMIDES
The flowering balls of tea did it. It’s time for a tea party.
MARK RICKETTS
Earl Hornswaggle -- the oldest man in Bangor.
PHOTOS BY JAMES WINTERS
