A gala event on Westport Island, on a picture perfect September evening, attended by some 175 persons, raised more than $15,000 for the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, whose mission is to conserve the natural and historic heritage of the Sheepscot watershed.

The Sept. 12 event was held at the property of Joan and William Sartoris and Joan's sister Lorraine Tregde. Student musicians from Lincoln Academy's Four O'clock and Five O'clock Jazz Combos under the guidance of Band Director Liz Matta performed lively tunes providing a musical backdrop to the event.

The property, with its views of the Sheepscot River overlooking Greenleaf Cove, extensive lawn, pond and covered porch, was a perfect setting for guests to mingle and enjoy themselves. Three tents, some illuminated with strings of lights, were set up for the food and drink.

Students from Lincoln Academy volunteered as waiters at the event, which helped them to fulfill their school's community service requirement. Adult bartenders served liquid refreshments, including, of course, champagne.

SVCA volunteers supplied the scrumptious hors d'oeuvres and for the fifth year Jody Brown of Wiscasset organized the kitchen and the student volunteers.

For the second year, the event included an art show with a portion of the proceeds going to SVCA. The show included oils, watercolors, pottery, fabric art and sculpture — all by local artists.

In addition, a raffle was held for a 36 by 36-inch oil painting titled "The Last of the Summer Flowers" painted and donated to SVCA by Belva Ann Prycel. The lucky winner was Donna Flynn of Alna. The raffle itself raised over $600 for SVCA.

Major sponsors of this year's event include Ames True Value Hardware & Supply in Wiscasset, First Advisors, Snow Squall Inn & Wicked Good Yoga and Big Barn Coffee with the following local businesses also contributing financially or with food or drink: Cellardoor Winery, Sheepscot Valley Brewing Company, The Alna Store & Treats. For the seventh year, flowers were donated by Sheepscot Flower Farm of Newcastle.

The SVCA thanks the business sponsors, patrons, everyone who bought tickets or donated to the event, our generous hosts, the participating artists and all of the volunteers for contributing to the event's success and helping raise funds so SVCA can continue on with its important environmental work.

For more information visit the SVCA website at www.sheepscot.org or call the office at 207-586-5616.