The annual Pen Bay Healthcare Gala Shall We Dance! was first held in 2006. Since then, this special annual event has raised vital funding -- and community awareness -- about a variety of important healthcare initiatives.  Read on...

The 2009 "Shall We Dance Gala," held May 1 at Point Lookout in Northport, benefited Charitable Care, and raised $37,000. The need for charitable care at Pen Bay Healthcare is increasing steadly and is expected to remain high for the duration of the economic downturn.

The 2008 "Shall We Dance" was themed around The Kentucky Derby. It was another evening of fun. One of the most traditional things about the Kentucky Derby is the formal attire and of course the piece d' resistance: the "Derby Hat." For women as well as men, the purchase of the Derby Hat is first and then the outfit is built around it. The bigger the better- feathers, wide brims, the more outlandish the ornamentation- the more fun for all! The focus this year was the new electronic Intensive Care Unit (eICU) at PBMC.

The 2007 "An Evening with Gatsby," complete with Roaring 20s type dress, benefited the Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice House. Held at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, many participants arrived in themed vehicles and danced the night away doing the Charleston, the Lindy Hop and dances from all the following eras. The Tony Boffa band and students from Swing & Sway Dancing in Rockland completed the evening with great music, and wonderful dance exhibitions.

In April 2006, the Primary Stroke Center was highlighted at the Owls Head Transportation Museum with an evening of good food, good friends, great music and great dancing. Attendees were treated to a ballroom dance performance by the 2004 U.S. National Rising Star Ballroom Champions. Music from all generations was provided by the Tony Boffa band.

Updated: 5/28/09