On April 7, 181 women gathered at The Opera House in Boothbay Harbor to socialize, network and delight. During the meeting, names for three nominated nonprofits were drawn at random: Veggies to Table, Hearty Roots, and Damariscotta Montessori School. After hearing brief presentations about each organization, members voted to award the quarterly “Impact Donation” to Hearty Roots, a youth development outdoor adventure program that returns kids to nature in a mindful effort to improve mental health and deepen a child’s connection to land, self and community.

Hearty Roots board member, Lisa Katz, was the nominating member and spoke of the organization’s commitment to maintaining a vibrant scholarship fund so that no child is ever turned away from programming. Haley Bezon, founder and executive director of Hearty Roots, answered questions from the crowd, clarifying that Hearty Roots programs serve 100% local youth and 1,000 local kids ages 5-19 took part in programming in 2025. The organization is on target to serve 1,400 kids in 2026. In addition to the major impact award headed for Hearty Roots in July, Veggies to Table and Damariscotta Montessori School will receive bonus donations raised from a raffle that generated $1,600 thanks to the generous donations of Skidompha Public Library, Du Jardin and Waterstruck Wellness.  

The meeting would not have been possible without the donation of space from the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, with special thanks to Opera House executive director, Cathy Sherrill. Financial support for “100+ Women Who Care Lincoln County Maine” arrives from local businesses including Tindal & Callahan Real Estate; Bangor Savings Bank; Jordan Construction; Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce; The Cheney Financial Group; Mid-Maine Millwork; Social Graze Charcuterie, and Coastal Maine Popcorn.  

For anyone interested in participating in “100+ Women Who Care Lincoln County Maine,” membership forms and nomination forms are available on the organization’s website at WomenWhoCareLincolnCountyMaine.org.

The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Contented Sole in New Harbor where attendees can expect light bites, refreshing drinks and inspiring company. The organization has 335 members and hopes you’ll join “100+ Women Who Care Lincoln County Maine” for vibrant and diverse gatherings that prove there’s strength in numbers. Because together we are a wave of change.