Pen Bay Healthcare Foundation fundraiser gains
national attention for unique focus on dance

The Pen Bay Healthcare Foundation Shall We Dance gala, with its signature emphasis on ballroom dancing, has gained national attention for its use of music and dancing as a way to draw attention to and increase participation in an important community fundraising event.

This year's gala is set for Saturday, May 3, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Owls Head Transportation Museum. Featuring live music by the Tony Boffa Band, the event promises to be an evening filled with fine food, good friends and great dancing – all in support of the eICU (Electronic Intensive Care Unit) at Penobscot Bay Medical Center.

This year's theme, "Derby Day," reflects the style and tradition of the great American horse race. Though the theme of the gala has been different for all of its three years, a common thread has been on fine music and dancing – something that has set the Pen Bay Healthcare event apart from other area fundraisers.

"Special Events," a fundraising organizations newsletter with national circulation, included an article in its January 2008 edition which said including professional dance instructors Kathryn and Christian Clayton, US Rising Star Ballroom Champions and owners of Swing & Sway in Rockland, is a great way to increase interest in the event.

"Guests come for one of three reasons – to have a fun night out, to dance or to enjoy the band," Cyndi Clayton, meeting and events manager, Pen Bay Healthcare Foundation, told "Special Events."

"That we are raising money for a good cause is a special bonus," Clayton said.

The Shall We Dance gala is carefully planned to showcase a different theme and to support a different healthcare issue each year. Along with highlighting dance performances by the Claytons, this 2008 Derby Day gala will also feature a live auction, plenty of raffle prizes donated by local businesses and businesses from around the state.

Tickets are $75 per person. Hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, will be served all evening. A cash bar serving wine and mixed drinks will be available. Tickets are available in advance, and, for the first time, are being sold online through the Pen Bay Healthcare website. Visit penbayhealthcare.org/shallwedance to buy tickets online and to find out about the deluxe "One Romantic Evening" drawing for those who buy tickets by April 1.

Tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, or to donate a raffle prize, please call 207-594-6799.

 Caption information: Back row, from left, Sherry Gagne, Annual Giving, Pen Bay Healthcare; Jeff Space, Executive Chef, PBMC, Gala Chef; Cyndi Clayton, Meeting & Events Manager and Gala Coordinator, PBH; Marion McCord, Kentucky Derby Queen 1974 and Gala Chairperson and Committee Member Leigh Smith. Front row, from left: Maggi Blue, Marketing and Community Relations, PBH and Nancy Ludwig, committee member. Not pictured: Committee members Carol Goldsmith, 2006 Gala Chairperson and Becky Gamage, 2007 Gala Chairperson; Staci Coomer, VP Development, Marketing & Community Relations, PBH; John Roy, Executive Chef, Quarry Hill, Gala Chef; Will Clayton, Conference Services Manager, Samoset Resort and Michelle Peaco, Director, Penobscot Bay Medical Center Creative Learning & Childcare Center.