More than 430 people gathered under a full moon to celebrate and support Acadia National Park at Gate House Farm in Northeast Harbor on Saturday, August 9 for Friends of Acadia’s 36th Annual Benefit.

A highlight of the evening was raising more than $200,000 to date to support the restoration and revitalization of the Carroll Homestead in Southwest Harbor, one of Acadia’s most cherished cultural heritage sites. Acadia National Park will match these donor funds with an additional $250,000 from entrance fees to support needed repairs.

Built in the early 1800s and celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, Carroll Homestead is a rare, authentic example of 19th-century life on Mount Desert Island. Built by John Carroll in 1825, the farm was home to three generations of Carrolls. Donated to Acadia National Park in 1982, the homestead has inspired generations of park visitors, students, educators, and historians.

“The Carroll Homestead offers a rare and tangible glimpse into the island’s past and is an important educational resource for the many fourth graders in the area who visit each year as part of school curriculums,” said Eric Stiles, Friends of Acadia CEO and president. “We are grateful to the many generous donors, sponsors, and our hosts, for helping us preserve and protect this historic treasure for future generations to explore and enjoy.”

Cocktail hour during the 36th Annual Friends of Acadia Benefit. (Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)

Hours d’oeuvres sit on display in the back of the main tent, before guests begin to arrive. (Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)

The Benefit evening began with a festive cocktail hour and silent auction where guests bid on items ranging from original art, unique experiences, one-of-a-kind jewelry, beautiful items for the home, and accessories for adventures into the park. Guests then enjoyed an elegant dinner catered by Bar Harbor Catering Company. The spirited live auction featured a three-night stay at Corcovado Wilderness Lodge in Costa Rica, a dinner for 12 with Martha Stewart and Wabanaki leaders at Skylands, an original landscape painting by renowned plein air painter Emily Buchanan, and a 1974 custom-built mahogany runabout, donated by Meghan Savage and daughters in memory of Tom Savage.

The evening continued with dancing to the music of DJ June and the Hudson Horns.

The band, Hudson Horns, performs after the conclusion of the Paddle Raise, and benefit guests take to the dance floor at the 36th Annual Friends of Acadia Benefit. (Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)

Benefit guests take to the dance floor at the 36th Annual Friends of Acadia Benefit. (Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)

The 2025 Benefit Committee, led by Lesley Draper and Jill Hinckley, worked hard throughout the year leading to an extraordinary night of fun and fundraising for the park.

“This year’s Benefit was truly remarkable—from our record ticket sales to the amazing turnout of young people,” said Jen Byer, Friends of Acadia special events manager. “The energy was palpable, especially with the dance floor packed all night long thanks to the incredible band. It was a joy to see so many supporters, old and new, come together to ensure Acadia National Park’s future.”

“We are so grateful for the continued generosity and enthusiasm from everyone who made this event a success and to everyone who has helped support the park this year in so many different ways,” Byer continued. “A special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Chilton Trust, who supported the Annual Benefit for the 12th year in a row and to our cocktail tent sponsor, Interactive Brokers. A heartfelt thank you to the Savage family for hosting us on their beautiful farm, and to all the businesses, artists, craftspeople, and individuals who donated incredible auction items to help Acadia National Park.”

Benefit attendees place bids during the Paddle Raise for the Carroll Homestead. (Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

Benefit attendees enjoy dinner. (Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

Attendees pose for a photo during the 36th Annual Benefit. (Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)

Attendees pose for a photo during the 36th Annual Benefit. (Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)

Benefit attendees raise their paddles during the Acadia Benefit. (Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)

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.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Chilton Trust Company

Special thanks to our media sponsor, Maine Home + Design

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.