LEWISTON – Teams of colorfully dressed “character waiters” representing China, France, Italy, Australia and many other nations set the tone for the March of Dimes’ International Gala on Sept. 17 at the Ramada Conference Center.

Guests were treated to appetizers representative of their waiters’ chosen countries as well as assertive requests for tips, all of which were donated to the evening’s total. A Chinese auction, live auction, dinner and dancing with the Tony Boffa band brought the evening to a close.

Thanks to the generosity and commitment of the event’s many volunteers, sponsors, waiters and bidders, a total well exceeding $10,000 was raised in support of the March of Dimes.

The wait team selected by anonymous judges as most amusing and colorful of the night was the Italian team of Terri Gagnon and Elissa Viscarelli from Day’s Jewelers.

Other wait teams included Byron and Eunice Bartlett, Diane and Kristine Braley, Wayne and Kathleen Cotterly, Fred Hamar and Tammy Dostie, Debbie Morin and Kathy Haley, Bill and Cheryl Horton, Pati Keene and Wendy Simard, Liz Patterson and Jen Jordan, Mark and Sheena Peillet and David, Gracie and Faith York.

The raffle piece was a necklace donated by Day’s. The citrine pendant surrounded by diamonds was placed around the winner’s neck by mistress of ceremonies, WMTW-Channel 8 news anchor Marnie MacLean.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.

For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com or call 1-888-MODIMES.