The Greater Portland Board of Realtors went retro last weekend with its Saturday Night Fevah ’70s dance party to raise money for Keep ME Warm, a home heating assistance charity.

“I see the need in the state of Maine,” said Donna Talarico, a commissioner for the Maine State Housing Authority. “It’s an underserved population. We do the best we can with federal funds, but we need private funds as well.”

In Cumberland County, the Opportunity Alliance has assisted almost 300 households this heating season, providing $80,000 in aid.

“Because heating oil prices were lower this year, we were able to help twice as many people,” said Karen Turgeon of Opportunity Alliance.

Saturday Night Fevah raised about $9,000 toward that fund.

“To be able to help families that might not otherwise qualify for heating assistance means a lot to us,” said Chelsea Locke, GPBR president.

The event was also a groovy disco party, complete with ’70s-style hors d’oeuvres and drinks named The Travolta and The Olivia.

“I love seeing everyone all dressed up!” said Cindy Allen of Acadia Lending Group. “Everybody got in the spirit!”

Saturday Night Fevah replaced the Dancing with the Realtors event that GPBR hosted for the past three years, raising money for Habitat for Humanity. “That was fun, but our members wanted something new,” said Locke.

And after three years of taking dance lessons and competing in past events, the GPBR group was definitely not shy on the Asylum dance floor as Color Blind kept the ’70s tunes rocking.

Kudos went to Melissa Richter for grooviest moves, Skylar Welch for best female costume, John Rose for best male costume, and Sue Durst and Jim Boyle for best couple costumes.

Amy Paradysz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Scarborough. She can be contacted at:

amyparadysz@gmail.com