Iam so excited about the month of April at

People Plus as we gear up to host the 10th annual Music in April fundraiser on Thursday, April 12. This (almost) world-renowned gala sees the Knights of Columbus Hall transformed into a ballroom wonderland of twinkly lights, music, fine dining (from more than 20 restaurants) and fabulous shopping opportunities.

And as the name implies, there’ll be musical entertainment throughout the evening. Local jazz guitarists Neil Lamb and David Lawlor highlight the lineup, along with The Bowdoin Longgfellows a capella group.

With both silent and live auctions, there should be something for everyone, including a week-long stay at a five-star resort in Southwest Harbor at the height of leaf peeping season (Sept. 22-29). There is also a four-day weekend on Moosehead Lake, gorgeous hand-turned bowls from master woodworkers, Bob Biette and Bob Morrell, and original artwork from Frances Caswell, Judith Long, Consuelo Bailey and many others.

Portland Symphony tickets, Sea Dogs tickets, overnights at the Harpswell Inn and the Inn at Brunswick Station and a table at Chilton Furniture are all also on the table, ready for your bidding wars.

And who wouldn’t want to book Frank Connor’s New England Clam Bake for 20 people or Mike Feldman’s gourmet Chinese dinner for six or buy any of the numerous handmade delicacies and desserts?

I plan on bidding on the full-size “scrappy” quilt created and donated by the People Plus “Tuesday Quilters” group or on the many gift certificates for goods and services from generous businesses throughout our community, as well as beautiful handcrafted items.

There are so many more items that I can’t list it all, but you can find it on our website at www.peopleplusmaine.org.

I’m going dress shopping this week to find something swanky to wear, as this is the SIGNATURE fundraiser for People Plus providing the funding for much of the programs and outreach we offer. It sells out every year so buy your tickets soon — and don’t forget your checkbook that night. APRIL 12, 5-9 P.M. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALL

The following businesses are sponsoring the annual Music In April gala event.

Forte Table sponsors

Downeast Energy, Ameriprise Financial Services, Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union, Bank of Maine, Bath Savings Institution, Bill Dodge Auto Group, Brackett Funeral Home, Border Trust, Bowdoin College, Edwards Jones Investments, Hammond Lumber, The Highlands, MCHS/CHANS Home Health Care, MCHS/Mid Coast Hospital, MCHS/Mid Coast Senior Health Center, MCHS/ Thornton Oaks, Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, Neighbors Inc., Primerica Financial Services, Priority Group LLC, Riley Insurance Agency and Spectrum Generations.

Mezzo Forte sponsors

JHR Development of Maine, Dr. Kathleen Winn DMD PA and Hancock Lumber.

Restaurants

111 Maine Catering, Back Street Bistro, Byrnes’ Irish Pub, Captain Mike’s, Clementine Restaurant, Cook’s Lobster House, El Camino, Flipside, The Great Impasta, Henry and Marty Restaurant/Catering, Kennebec Tavern, Lilee’s Public House, Pedro O’Hara’s, Richard’s, Run with Soup, Scarlet Begonias, Wicked Joe Coffee and Wild Oats.

MANY THANKS

• THANK YOU to Wild Oats Bakery and café for their generosity at having People Plus Day at the café. They generously donated a percentage of yesterday’s profits as they celebrate their 20th birthday with Community Support days all spring. We say “Thank you Wild Oats!”

• PEOPLE PLUS is thankful to be the recipient of the Comcast Cares Day on April 21.