We are thrilled to announce that our 36th Annual Benefit will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at a new venue – Gate House Farm in Northeast Harbor, Maine.

This property will provide a charming setting for an unforgettable evening of celebration, community, and support for Acadia National Park.

As we look forward to this year’s Annual Benefit and Auction, we are grateful for the continued generosity of all the volunteers, auction donors, patrons, businesses, and attendees. This passionate community of supporters has made the Benefit a wonderful summer tradition and an important fundraiser for our beloved Acadia National Park.

This year’s Benefit Committee, led by Lesley Draper & Jill Hinckley, is already hard at work planning what we know will be an extraordinary night. We can’t wait!

Forever Friends for Forever Places

Tucked into the woods above Somes Sound, the Carroll Homestead is one of Acadia’s hidden treasures – a remarkable 19th-century home that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of early settlers on Mount Desert Island. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the homestead, making it an especially meaningful time to celebrate and preserve this piece of Acadia’s cultural heritage.

This year’s Paddle Raise supports the restoration and revitalization of the Carroll Homestead. Working together, Friends of Acadia and the National Park Service aim to stabilize the structure, improve accessibility, and create new opportunities for education and engagement. School groups, local families, and visitors will be able to experience the Carroll Homestead as a window into the past – connecting with the stories of the Carroll family and the broader history of Mount Desert Island.

With your help, Carroll Homestead will once again come to life – not just as a historic site, but as a living, breathing part of Acadia’s story.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Chilton Trust Company

Additional gratitude to this year’s Benefit Committee Co-chairs:
Lesley Draper and Jill Hinckley

If you have questions or would like to donate to the silent or live auctions, call 207-370-4910 or reach out to Jen Byer, special events coordinator, at jen_byer@friendsofacadia.org.

Please note: Certain restrictions may apply to grants Friends of Acadia receives from donor advised funds, including limitations related to ticketed events and fulfillment of legally binding pledges. Please inquire with your donor advised fund custodian about the intended use of your recommended donation and learn about any restrictions/prohibitions that may apply. Learn more.