36th Annual Friends of Acadia Benefit: Celebrating Community and Conservation

Friends of Acadia’s 36th Annual Benefit brought together supporters at Gate House Farm for auctions, dinner, and dancing—all to preserve Acadia’s future.

October, 2025 | Photography: Julia Walker Thomas and Rhiannon Johnston
Attendees enjoy cocktail hour during the 36th Annual Friends of Acadia Benefit.
Attendees enjoy cocktail hour during the 36th Annual Friends of Acadia Benefit.

Over the summer, Friends of Acadia hosted a celebratory evening at the picturesque Gate House Farm in Northeast Harbor. The night began with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction under the tent, followed by dinner and a spirited live auction led by Christie’s Steve Zick. Guest paddles raised heartfelt support during the paddle raise, dedicated this year to restoring the historic Carroll Homestead, marking its 200th anniversary and underscoring its importance as a living window into Acadia’s past. The festivities concluded on a high note with dancing to music by DJ June and the Hudson Horns.  MH+D 

Benefit co-chairs Lesley Draper (left), Jill Hinckley Spaulding (right), and Jen Byer (center) (Friends of Acadia Special Events Manager).
Benefit co-chairs Lesley Draper (left), Jill Hinckley Spaulding (right), and Jen Byer (center) (Friends of Acadia Special Events Manager).
Attendees pose for a photo in Northeast Harbor.
Attendees pose for a photo in Northeast Harbor.
Benefit attendees place bids during the Paddle Raise for the Carroll Homestead.
Benefit attendees place bids during the Paddle Raise for the Carroll Homestead.

“This year’s benefit was truly remarkable, with new changes embraced by everyone, from our record ticket sales to the amazing turnout of young people. It was a joy to see so many supporters, old and new, come together to ensure Acadia National Park’s future. We are grateful for the continued generosity and enthusiasm from everyone who made this event a success.”

—Jen Byer, special events manager, Friends of Acadia

Guests take to the dance floor.
Guests take to the dance floor.
Hudson Horns performs after the conclusion of the Paddle Raise.
Hudson Horns performs after the conclusion of the Paddle Raise.
Sean Murray (president and CEO, Advocate Printing and Publishing), Tess Murray, and Crystal Murray (editor-in-chief and publisher, Advocate Media USA) with Danielle Devine (editor, MH+D) and Ryan Scipione (architect, MJM+A Architects)
Sean Murray (president and CEO, Advocate Printing and Publishing), Tess Murray, and Crystal Murray (editor-in-chief and publisher, Advocate Media USA) with Danielle Devine (editor, MH+D) and Ryan Scipione (architect, MJM+A Architects)

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