The unique character of a community is seen by how it solves its most daunting problems. In the Boothbay region, there’s no more challenging problem than that of hunger. One quarter of all children in Maine live in food insecure homes, while one in seven families experience lack of good nutrition. Maine now has the third highest food insecurity rate in the United States. To address the reality of hunger in our region, our community has pulled together to demonstrate what caring people can do to help reduce this crisis.

On Sunday, Sept. 10 at 4 p.m., Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens opens its doors to the second annual Fundraiser Concert for Veggies to Table. The concert at the Garden’s Bosarge Education Center features great music, fine wines, local cheese, craft beers and delicious hors d'oeuvres. Ticket holders may arrive up to two hours early to tour the Gardens before the event begins at 4.

“The Boothbay region has some of the most compassionate people we’ve met in all our travels,” said concert organizer Cliff Thaell. “People keep stepping forward asking what they can do to help make a difference. When some of us are hungry, all of us are affected.” 

Erica Berman, executive director of Veggies to Table, a non-profit farm in Newcastle since 2019, has grown and donated 44,000 pounds of organic vegetables and 45,500 fresh flowers to neighbors with needs.  “Why the flowers?” Erica said, “people need a little joy in their lives.”

Denny and Donna Denniston, owners of Barter Island Bees, noted that “Local businesses and the Botanical Gardens have gone all out to help raise awareness of hunger in our region.  Their donations to this Veggies to Table event will help Erica and her team keep growing and donating much needed healthy food to local food banks. The business community donations of the event’s food, beverages, auction items and door prizes allows every dollar we raise to go directly to Veggies to Table.  Our musicians are also donating their time and talent to the cause. It is truly an amazing outpouring of generosity.”

Auctioneer Doug Gimbel will auction a variety of exciting offerings including a brand new Pedago electric bike, an overnight stay at the Tipsy Butler Inn, cases of fine wines, a 2-3 hour beekeeping and honey extraction experience at Barters Island Bees, a night in a tree-house from Seguin Tree Dwellings, generous gift certificates from area merchants and much more. Many more contributions of gifts from area businesses await lucky bidders and winners of our door prizes!

“We are an incredible caring community. In a time when communities sometime feel divided, Boothbay area residents and business come together, bringing us all closer as caring neighbors.” says Georjean Machulis, who along with Cliff Thaell, John Schindler, Donna and Denny Denniston have organized the event.

Seating is limited and tickets are selling fast!  Purchase the $50 tickets that and join us for all the event festivities and a complimentary invitation to stroll through the magnificent gardens.

To purchase a ticket or make a donation, go to  https://www.tickettailor.com/events/veggiestotable1/964844