On behalf of Trekkers, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in our most recent fundraising event, the second Annual Trekkers’ Valentine’s Day Dance held last Saturday evening at the Samoset Resort.  The Baypoint Ballroom was nearly filled to capacity with people dancing to the high-energy music of “Just Teachers.”

Special thanks go to Connie Russell, Stephen Ames and the staff at the Samoset Resort for the wonderful venue; “Just Teachers” for the dancing music; participating Trekkers’ families for selling tickets and bringing delicious appetizers; and to the community for supporting Trekkers by attending this fundraiser.

We are also especially grateful to the following local business that made donations of items or resources for the evening’s event: K-9 Solutions Dog Training, The Korean Schools of Karate, Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, Samoset Resort, Smile Concepts – Dr. Stephen A. Zizza, Trade Winds Motor Inn, Trade Winds Health Club and Wee Care Learning and Nature Center. We encourage everyone to support these wonderful area businesses!

And, of course, we want to thank everyone who came to enjoy the event itself. We are grateful to the community for coming out to socialize with friends and dance to great live music, while raising money to support local students in the process. All proceeds for the dance directly benefit Trekkers’ students by offsetting their program costs for the year. 

As Trekkers celebrates its 21st year of mentoring youth from the Midcoast area, it is through the community’s support that we are able to achieve the Trekkers’ mission of connecting young people with caring adults through expeditionary learning, community service and adventure-based education. With sincere appreciation I thank this wonderful community for its continued support.

Don Carpenter is executive director of Trekkers, Inc.