The Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) will host their biennial Frances Perkins Award Dinner online as a Zoom gathering on Saturday, May 16 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

In keeping with the “Stay Healthy at Home” Executive Order and everyone’s shared concerns about COVID-19, this year’s event will take place online and guests will receive gift cards to favorite Lincoln County restaurants in lieu of sitting down to the traditional banquet-style meal.

The purpose of the event is to present the Frances Perkins Award. The biennial tradition recognizes a Lincoln County Democrat who exemplifies, through their efforts, the continuing legacy of Frances Perkins. Grounded by summers with her grandmother in Newcastle, Perkins, FDR’s Secretary of Labor, was the lead advocate of the New Deal for Social Security, the 40-hour work week, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance, as well as for laws regulating child labor. Lincoln County Democrats share her values rooted in the needs of working people.  This year’s honoree will be announced April 23.

“Every two years we honor a Lincoln County Democrat at a sit-down dinner,” said Geoff Bates, chair of the LCDC fundraising committee “This year, more than ever, we felt it was important to maintain a sense of normalcy during this topsy-turvy time. We know we can’t share a meal together, but by creating a Zoom gathering and offering gift cards to our patrons, we’ll offer an opportunity for fellowship as well as help our local eateries who are closed during this necessary, but devastating, shutdown.”

With each paid contribution to “attend” the event, donors will choose to receive a gift card from one of five popular local restaurants: Ports of Italy, Boothbay Harbor; Damariscotta River Grill, Damariscotta; Newcastle Publick House, Newcastle; The Narrows Tavern, Waldoboro; or Little Village Bistro, Wiscasset. The proceeds will go to LCDC’s campaign efforts while the local restaurants will receive a bit of stimulus during this economic stalemate.

The LCDC’s grassroots mission is to organize volunteers and communicate with voters in support of candidates who believe in the Democratic ideals and principles of government by, of, and for all the people.

Learn more about the event by visiting https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/award and watch this space for the announcement of our 2020 honoree. For further clarification, guests are asked to contact Bates at 207-644-8776.