Heat dance raises over $21,000

by Greg Davis, Editor

FARMINGTON – Heat Dance III Friday night, the local fundraiser to benefit heating oil to help neighbors in Franklin County keep warm, raised $21,269.37, after expenses, including a $5,000 Matching Grant from the Sandy River Charitable Trust, noted ECU HEAT organizer Rev. Susan Crane. It is a new record, she said.

“We surpassed the tally for last year’s dance by 33 percent,” she said.“It’s an incredible achievement. Thanks to our wonderful community, Heat Dance just gets better and better every year.”

The event, held at the University of Maine, Farmington was attended by an estimated 225 persons, many of whom dressed in Hollywood attire and danced until past 11 p.m. to the music of Shepherd’s Pie, the popular local band. Rep. Tom Saviello was master of ceremonies, reading a letter from Governor Paul LePage that welcomed attendees and described Heat Dance as “distinctive in the state of Maine.”

Kate Foster, Bill Crandall, and Becky Arsenault were very good sports as contestants on the heat-related Jeopardy Game.

The day was characterized by several related events in downtown Farmington. Tellers at Franklin Savings Bank dressed as famous actresses, and the Homestead restaurant offered a pre-dance dinner that was filled to capacity. A stretch limousine shuttled attendees from the restaurant to the dance site.

Some 266 homes in Franklin County received 50 gallon (or equivalent) ECU HEAT SHARE deliveries from November through January. With the Heat Dance III proceeds, the fund should be able to handle the rest of the winter without having to turn anyone away for lack of money, Rev. Crane said.

To send donations at any time, please make checks payable to ECU HEAT and mail to PO Box 147, Farmington, ME 04938