AUBURN – Hundreds of people gathered at Good Shepherd Food-Bank recently for a 25th anniversary open house and VIP (Very Important Partner) awards ceremony.

The evening began with a welcome from the new executive director, Rick Small, who spoke of Good Shepherd Food-Bank’s appreciation for the support of so many. “We are honored to recognize partners who have helped us along the way. Our work is only made possible by the contributions of so many food donors, financial supporters, transportation providers, agencies and volunteers,” he said.

“Today, in our 25th year, there are more than 570 member agencies statewide who rely on us to to provide food for more than 70,000 Mainers each month. We couldn’t do our work with out you,” Small said.

A legislative sentiment was read by Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello followed by special commemorative letters from representatives of Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe and Congressman Mike Michaud. Gov. John Baldacci issued a proclamation recognizing Nov. 8 as Good Shepherd Food-Bank Day.

Receiving awards were:

Hannaford Supermarkets, Food Industry Leadership VIP Award.

Federal Distributors, Food Mobile VIP Award.

Maine’s Credit Unions’ Campaign For Ending Hunger, Food Mobile VIP Award.

Wal-Mart, New Horizon VIP Award.

Sun Journal, Communications VIP Award.

International Paper, Transport Service VIP Award.

WCSH 6, Communications VIP Award.

Brownfield Food Pantry, Partner Agency VIP Award.

Ted Brown, Service Leadership VIP Award.

Nan Berry, Philanthropist VIP Award.

Twin City Times, Communications VIP Award.

The Sandy River Charitable Foundation, Grantmaker VIP Award.

The Beale Street Barbeque, Restaurant of the Year VIP Award.

Dorothy Egg Farms, Agricultural VIP Award.

Pastor Merv Keller, Volunteer Service VIP Award.

Edward Little High School Work Study Program, Service Learning VIP Award.

Sarah Olstein, Youth Recognition VIP Award.

Ted Blaisdell, Youth Recognition VIP Award.

For more information, visit www.gsfb.org.