WALDOBORO — In the spirit of the season, in late December, a group of Waldoboro residents got together to celebrate their friendship and their community. 

Approximately 30 neighbors gathered at Odd Alewives Farm Brewery in Waldoboro to enjoy each other’s company and donate to a community cause.

Organizers Elaine Abel, Karen Haney and Wendy Corlett knew their Dutch Neck neighborhood was filled with new and old friends, great cooks and a generous spirit, according to a news release.

‘Friends Giving’ was born and it didn’t take long before all were gathered at the brewery, enjoying a meal and raising money for the Waldo Theatre in Waldoboro.

Elaine Abel said in the release: “It wasn’t difficult to decide upon that organization for our first and hopefully Annual Friends Giving. This is a venue that needs to become a vibrant part of our community again. The new Board of Directors and a number of local businesses in town have done an amazing job, not only fundraising for the theatre but bringing awareness to the importance of arts in our community. We are looking forward to seeing the theatre become a cultural hub of the Midcoast Region once again.”

The group’s $300 donation will be used for interior restoration work in the coming year.

To learn more about the Waldo Theatre restoration effort and how you can help, contact info@waldotheatre.org or visit https://waldotheatre.org.