Governor LePage Supports “The Art Of Giving Gala”

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 12
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has designated $6,000 from his contingency fund in support of Down East magazine’s initiative to give back to the community through their 60th anniversary celebration. “The Art of Giving Gala,” which will take place this week on Thursday, August 14, will be hosted in partnership with six Maine artists. Proceeds from the event will go to each of the artists’ preferred non-profits. Governor LePage has indicated that each of the six non-profits will receive $1,000 from his contingency fund.

“I’m proud to support Down East magazine in their efforts to invest in Maine and improve the lives of Maine people,” said Governor LePage. “I commend the Down East team for choosing to give back to the community in celebration of the iconic magazine’s 60th anniversary.”

With purchase of admission to the gala, each attendee will have opportunity to exchange their admission ticket for a raffle ticket, which gives them a chance of winning artwork created by one of the local artists. The six non-profits to benefit from the Governor’s designation and from the proceeds of the gala are: The Locker Project (a community partner of the Good Shepherd Food Bank), Maine College of Art Scholarship Fund, Colby College Museum of Art, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, North Haven EMS and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

"'The Art of Giving Gala' is only possible thanks to the generosity of the participating artists, the support of our sponsors and the contributions of the hundreds of people attending. Now, we gratefully add to the list Governor Paul LePage's thoughtful designation from his contingency fund," said Down East Publisher Bob Fernald. "We are truly honored the Governor has chosen to contribute to 'The Art of Giving Gala,' which will benefit six beloved Maine non-profits. Everyone's support reinforces our commitment to Maine as we celebrate our 60th anniversary. This is a unique opportunity to give back to the community that has supported us since 1954."

For more information about “The Art of Giving Gala” and how you can participate, please visit www.downeast.com/artofgiving.