Nineteen local non-profits received checks and praise from the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce at the organization’s member luncheon last month. The non-profits provid ed the volunteers for the Cheese Curd Festival, which was held in Ellsworth’s East End District in June.

As participants in the Chamber’s Cheese Curd Festival Volunteer Program the organizations rallied their members, supporters, family members, and friends to volunteer at the event on behalf of their group’s mission. For every hour volunteered at the event, $10 plus a profit-sharing bonus was donated back to the non-profit organization. In all, checks totaling $16,072 were distributed as part of the program supporting each in their important work in the Ellsworth community.

“It takes an army of volunteers to successfully host an event like the Cheese Curd Festival,” said Kim Beebe, Ellsworth Chamber Executive Team Member. “We couldn’t pull ou this event without the help of these dedi cated community members.”

The Cheese Curd Festival draws thousands of attendees to Ellsworth each year, making a $2 million annual economic impact to the region. Aside from the food, music, and fun of the event, the festival’s mission is threefold: to make an economic impact in Ellsworth, create awareness around commu- nity revitalization euorts, and provide a suc cessful volunteer and fundraising opportunity for local non-profits.

Submitted by the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce

Volunteers from various Ellsworth area organizations gathered at the Ellsworth Country Club Thursday, July 28 where the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce shared checks with them for their hard work at the Cheese Curd Festival. Photo courtesy of Kim Beebe