CAMDEN — Registration is open for the second United Midcoast Charities (UMC) annual Gingerbread House Exhibit and Contest. Individuals or groups can enter in one of three competitive categories: Professional, Amateur, or Youth. In addition to winners in each of these categories, a People’s Choice winner will be selected by public vote. Entrants can win up to $500.

The event will once again be held in the lower level of 16 Bay View Hotel. The public is invited to view, vote, and bid on the gingerbread houses from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 6, and noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 7. Public voting and silent auction ends at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

“This event offers a gentle, family-friendly way to positively impact important issues, and support the lifesaving work of local agencies addressing critical needs in the community,” said Becca Gildred, Executive Director of United Midcoast Charities, in a news release.

Gildred organized the first annual contest to benefit Homeworthy (formerly Knox County Homeless Coalition), Midcoast Habitat for Humanity, and AIO Food and Energy Assistance.

This year, in an effort to do even more good, proceeds from the event benefit the more than 40 area nonprofit partners that UMC supports annually. These organizations represent just under 75% of the nonprofit safety net in this region and their services impact more than 1 in 3 individuals in Knox and Waldo counties. This event is sponsored by 16 Bay View Hotel, Starlight Kitchen & Bath, Midcoast Villager, Allen Insurance and Financial, and Adventure Advertising.

For full guidelines and registration details visit unitedmidcoastcharities.org/gingerbread.

United Midcoast Charities plays a pivotal role in providing financial support, strategic guidance, and tangible resources to Midcoast nonprofits providing services in our four focus 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.