BELFAST — Camden National Bank is proud to support Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County as a sponsor of its annual Lobster Gala fundraising event during the Belfast Harbor Fest celebration. Taking place Sunday, Aug. 16, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Lobster Gala is a major fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County and is one of the organization’s longest running events. The Gala features a meal of lobster or steak, steamers, sides, cold drinks, desserts, and music by the Juke Rockets Blues Band.

“Camden National’s sponsorship of the Lobster Gala will help to support this annual event and allow us to keep the price per person at a level that more people can access,” said Michaelene Achorn, retail loan officer at Camden National Bank in Belfast and chair of the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County, in a news release. “We expect a large turnout for this year’s event as the Rotary’s Harbor Fest continues to draw a crowd to the area, and community support for our event increases each year.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit the local Habitat’s build fund, which supports the construction of new, energy-efficient homes for local residents in need. Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County began construction on its third home in Searsmont last month. 

Achorn added, “Fundraisers like the Lobster Gala help to support our mission of ending poverty housing for our friends and neighbors. We are currently building our third home and have partially funded our next home, to be built in the near future. Camden National’s support and sponsorship will help us to continue the work of offering a hand up, not a hand out, to our Waldo County community.”

In addition to building homes, the organization also assists with ongoing weatherization efforts throughout Waldo County. Working in conjunction with local civic groups, carpenters and volunteers, and thanks to the generosity of local businesses, in 2014, Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County was able to weatherize six homes.

Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County is a local Habitat for Humanity International affiliate dedicated to the belief that all people deserve decent, safe, and affordable housing on terms they can afford. Habitat brings people together to build homes, communities and hope for Waldo County’s eligible applicants. For more information, visit http://www.waldocountyhabitat.org.