Partying in support of historic preservation [Video]

Nonprofit Maine Preservation raised $50,000 at its annual gala Sept. 26 at Grace, a historic church-turned-event space on Chestnut Street in Portland. The event was supported by more than 50 corporate sponsors, led by Norway Savings Bank.

“We’re a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to promoting and preserving historic places, buildings, downtowns and neighborhoods, strengthening the economic and cultural vitality of Maine’s communities,” said Executive Director Tara Kelly. “We prove that the rehabilitation of historic buildings supports new jobs, revives downtowns and neighborhoods and creates housing and business opportunities.”

Trustee Willy Wong is converting the 160-year-old Friendship Street School in Waldoboro into a mixed-use property that will include living quarters, an art gallery and workshop space. “Historic buildings and neighborhood are cultural assets that we want to preserve for the next generation,” he said.

Funds raised through the gala will support preservation advocacy and stewardship, technical assistance for owners of …