The Rotary Club of Damariscotta-Newcastle held its annual Karl’s Kids barbeque, cornhole, and dance event in Nobleboro Oct. 18, and it was a huge success. Karl’s Kids supports kids and teens in Lincoln County in financial need who want to participate in sports or enjoy outdoor activities. The organization helps with equipment and many other ways that provide access to physical activities. 

The weekend’s festivities were highlighted by a 50/50 raffle, a cornhole tournament organized by Mike Prentice and Carmen Reed of Bayside Plumbing and Heating, and a barbecue pig roast provided by pitmaster Dave Smith of NC Hunt Lumber. There was also great dancing music provided by The North County Band of Connecticut.  

This year, Karl’s Kids raised close to $10,000 thanks to the great efforts of long-time sponsors, cornhole participants, private donors, Rotary Club volunteers, and Duck Puddle Campground, who hosted this great event. 

Karl’s Kids would like to thank generous sponsors First Federal Savings Bank, Colby and Gale, J. Edward Knight Insurance, Farrell and Norton Naval Architects, The First, Seacoast Catering, Bayside Plumbing and Heating, Hall Funeral Home, Collette Monuments, Cheney Insurance, Hammond Lumber, Hillside Collision, and RM Davis. Karl's Kids also wants to thank all of the generous attendees of the event who donated, as well as Reny’s Orchards, Brown Family Farm and Barn Door Bakery for their food and drink donations. 

Karl’s Kids beleives being physically active leads to a healthy lifestyle. They have already helped many kids in need, and have provided baseball equipment, cheerleading uniforms, and much more to help kids and teens. However, they need help from community members to help identify less fortunate kids and teens who need assistance getting sports equipment, sneakers, helmets, and other items in order to participate in sports or other physical activities. 

“The kids and teens of Lincoln County will truly benefit from the businesses and people who so graciously gave of their time and money to help kids and teens become physically active,” said Mary Berger, wife of the late Karl Berger, who the organization is named after.  

For more information, and to apply for support, visit the Rotary Club of Damariscotta-Newcastle and Karl’s Kids at https://www.dnmrotary.org/ or https://karlskids.org/