A boat full of food, clothing and love

SUZI THAYER
Tue, 02/21/2017 - 2:30pm
Suzie Edwards in front of the love-filled boat, and the Dave Gagne Band, at McSeagull’s on Feb. 19. Courtesy of Steve Edwards
Suzie Edwards sings with the Dave Gagne Band, at McSeagull’s on Feb. 19. Courtesy of Steve Edwards
Jackie Barnicoat and Suzie Edwards check out the dory filled with goodies for people in need of a little help. Courtesy of Steve Edwards
Violet Baldwin, left, Jackson Lorrain, Wyatt Lorrain, Suzie Edwards, Charles Chappelle and Emily Conley gather on a big pile of snow on Pier One outside McSeagull’s on Feb. 19. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Hors d’oeuvres at the event at McSeagull’s on Feb. 19 were over the top, thanks to chef Bobby Clunie. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
The empty dory filled up rapidly at the “Suzie's Fill the Boat with Love” event at McSeagull’s on Feb. 19. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register

    On Sunday, Feb. 19, McSeagull's held a charity event to benefit area residents and our local food pantry. The event was prompted by Suzie Edwards after she saw a homeless person on a street in Portland on a recent cold winter day. She and her father, Steve Edwards, spoke to McSeagull’s managers Jackie Barnicoat and Chris Gleason and Suzie’s wish to help people in need became a reality. McSeagull’s hosted the benefit that featured an empty boat for people to fill with money, clothing, food and other items that will be donated to local children, the food pantry and other charitable organizations.

    “We want to get the donations into the hands of the people who need them,” Steve Edwards said.

    Dubbed “Suzie's Fill the Boat with Love,” the event featured appetizers, cookies and hot cocoa and McSeagull’s full menu was available. Live music was performed by Dave and Chris Gagne, with Suzie, a talented singer, accompanying them at times.There was a coloring contest for the kids in attendance, too. Winners were: 1st place: Grace Campbell, $50; 2nd place: Suzie Edwards, $25; 3rd place: Jackson Lorrain, $10. At the end of the day, the boat was full to the brim.
     
    “The event went really well, and it was very cool to see the town come together in support of each other,” Barnicoat said. “Suzie did an excellent job as host, and with the help of our incredibly generous community she was able to more than fill the boat with food, clothing and monetary donations. We look forward to making this a yearly event.”
     
    Barnicoat estimated that around $300 was donated along with the food and clothing.

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