The Cranberry Isles Heritage Campaign hosted an inter-island bingo challenge on Valentine’s Day. The event served to initiate the first local fundraising effort to offset tax increases resulting from a recent Cranberry Isles land purchase in the town of Manset. The simultaneous games of bingo raised money through pledges and silent donations from both Little and Great Cranberry Islands.
Great Cranberry Island hosted a potluck dinner before the games began, and Islesford had a dessert potluck. The prizes that the winners took home were donated by participants, and included pots and other goods made by local artists, mail boat tickets, clothing and Christmas “regifts.”
The events were a tremendous success. On Cranberry, of the 37 people on the island that bitter cold night who could attend, 27 turned out for the pot-luck supper and bingo. On Islesford 11 children and 17 adults enjoyed a desert pot-luck before the games. Altogether, the effort raised $4,481 in cash and pledges, plus $85 worth of prizes given by island businesses on Cranberry.
Barbara Fernald and Barbara Meyers, co-chairs of the Fundraising Committee, hope for a high percentage of participation in the local fundraising campaign, which is also seeking further private donations, foundations and federal and state grants.
For information regarding the Heritage Campaign, contact Barbara Meyers at (207) 244-5143 or Barbara Fernald at (207) 244-5283. Donations are tax-deductible.