Freeport Community Services (FCS) has been providing critical support to the communities of Freeport and Pownal since 1974. As we lead up to our signature White Nights celebration on Jan. 23, we have partnered with the Tri-Town Weekly for the third year in a row to “Shine the Light” on some of the friends of FCS who make such a difference in our community.

Amazing food, hot music and unique auction items are all part of the Freeport Community Services’ annual White Nights gala. Longtime attendees might think they have already seen everything the evening has to offer. This year promises to be unlike any other, because FCS friends Erik Peters and Jon Meade will host the live auction.

“The event is always a blast. I’m really looking forward to working with Jon. He dresses really interesting and smells faintly of epoxies and lacquers,” joked Peters, an attorney with Verrill Dana. Meade, who owns jonmeadedesign LLC, designs and fabricates custom, polished concrete projects, agreed “anything can happen.”

When asked if he had any experience as an auctioneer, Peters replied, “No, other than trying to pawn my kids off on other people.”

Meade admitted he got involved because “my wife made me.” He added that FCS is “a great organization and serves to build community.”

White Nights will be held Saturday, Jan. 23, starting at 5:30 p.m., at the Freeport Community Center, 53 Depot St. More than 100 local restaurants and businesses have contributed to make the night an evening to remember.

A huge array of auction items has been assembled, including cozy getaways, sports and performing arts experiences and gorgeous artwork. Wolfe’s Neck Farm has generously donated a dinner, dance and stay weekend package to the auction.

This year the “Bow Street Sausage Room” will also feature Buck’s Naked BBQ wings, roast beef from the Harraseeket Inn and meatballs from Pineland Farms Natural Meats. Azure Cafe? will serve a fanciful original cocktail and Gritty McDuff’s will provide beer.

The evening promises to be full of surprises and the atmosphere will be enchanting, thanks to the creativity of the Event Light Pros and Emily Carter Flowers.

Yet, for all those involved with White Nights 2016, supporting the mission of FCS – to enrich lives, connect neighbors and help those in need in Freeport or Pownal – is at the heart of the evening. Proceeds from White Nights help support FCS programs like operating the food pantry, providing fuel and emergency assistance and maintaining the warm and welcoming community center.

Peters stated that this is “a great community that supports its own. Organizations like FCS perfectly embody that.”

We hope that you can join Erik, Jon, and all of your friends for this one-of-a-kind event. Call Kim Hudak at 865-3985, Ext. 202, to purchase tickets, or go to www.fcsmaine.org and follow the link to purchase tickets online.