Foundation Recognized by Camp Susan L. Curtis Foundation

The University of Maine Foundation was recognized by the Susan L. Curtis Foundation at its Annual Benefit Dinner and Dance, for the Foundation's support of the Camp Susan Curtis Arts Education Center at the Hewnoaks Volk Center. The gathering was held at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland.

The University of Maine Foundation leases the Hewnoaks Volk Center to Camp Susan Curtis to operate an art education center, which provides educational programs in a summer camp format for disadvantaged Maine teenagers. The innovative approach involves utilizing various forms of art, history and the influence of the Maine landscape on the young artist. In addition, the program encompasses various life and social skill lessons and is offered tuition-free to at-risk Maine teenagers.

The fifteen acre property on Kezar Lake was bequeathed to the University of Maine Foundation by a Volk family member in 2005 with a preference for art education and was one of the University of Maine's largest gifts ever received.

On behalf of the University of Maine Foundation, Amos Orcutt, President and CEO, accepted the award, an oil painting of a Camp Susan Curtis camper done by the camp's program director, Eric Kuntz.

 Foundation President/CEO Amos Orcutt, Mary Kennedy, President Robert Kennedy, Former Maine Governor Kenneth Curtis, Polly Curtis

Speaking to the over 400 guests, Orcutt said, "The decision to establish the partnership with Camp Susan Curtis was easy; it was the right thing to do. The best possible investment we can make is in our youth. We are happy to play a role in improving the future of Maine's children through this wonderful partnership."

Since its establishment more than 35 years ago by former Maine Governor Kenneth Curtis and his wife Polly in memory of their daughter Susan, Camp Susan Curtis has been dedicated to serving disadvantage and at-risk youth of Maine with more than 13,000 Maine children attending camp sessions.