2026 Summer Benefit
Friday, July 10
Gather for cocktails on the main deck overlooking Jericho Bay, followed by a seated dinner in the dining hall prepared by the Haystack Kitchen for our largest fundraiser of the year, benefiting Haystack’s programming and award-winning campus.
The 2026 Summer Benefit is dedicated to the early founders of Haystack, a group of Maine craftspeople—primarily Edgar and Marjorie Sewell, Elizabeth Crawford, and William and Estelle Shevis—as well as benefactor Mary Beasom Bishop, who offered generous and sustaining support, and Francis Sumner Merritt and Priscilla Merritt, who served as co-directors in the School's first summer, with Fran Merritt assuming the sole role of director, providing extraordinary vision and direction for Haystack until he retired from the directorship in 1977.
5:30 | WELCOME & COCKTAIL HOUR
Hors d’oeuvres & Drinks on the Deck
6:45 | DINNER
Seated Dinner prepared by the Haystack Kitchen
8:00 | REMARKS & AUCTION
Proceeds support Haystack’s facilities & programs
Support Levels
$10,000 - Premier Underwriter
Cocktails & dinner for eight guests with preferred seating
Reserved parking at event for two cars
Listing on event materials as Premier Underwriter
Future private tour & dinner for eight guests with Executive Director
(fair market value - $1,200)
$5,000 - Lead Underwriter
Cocktails & dinner for six guests with preferred seating
Reserved parking at event for two cars
Listing on event materials as Lead Underwriter
Future private tour & dinner for six guests with Executive Director
(fair market value - $900)
$2,000 - Underwriter
Cocktails & dinner for four guests
Listing on event materials as Underwriter
Future private tour & lunch for four guests with Executive Director
(fair market value - $600)
$750 - Sponsor
Cocktails & dinner for two guests
Listing on event materials as Sponsor
(fair market value - $300)
$275 - Individual Ticket
Cocktails & dinner for individual
(fair market value - $150)
QUESTIONS?
For any questions about the 2026 Benefit, please contact Haystack’s Development Team at: developmentevents@haystack-mtn.org.
Ways to Support
ONLINE
Online underwriting support and seat purchases can be made by credit card or PayPal through the secure online payment form.
CHECK
Payments by check can be mailed to Haystack at PO Box 518, Deer Isle, ME 04627. Please make checks payable to Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.
If you wish to use your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to pay for underwriting support, we strongly encourage you to check with your fund advisor first, as permissible use of DAFs varies. No donor can receive, directly or indirectly, any other benefit that is more than incidental on account of the grant.
Auction
The 2026 Summer Benefit will feature two reverse paddle raises to support Haystack’s programming and award-winning campus; as well as work by renowned artist and former Haystack trustee, Alleghany Meadows.
Flora Series: Ambra by Alleghany Meadows, 2026. Porcelain and stoneware with glazes, 6” x 12” x 12”.
2026 Host Committee
Rachael Arauz & August Ventimiglia
Abby Barrows & Ben Jackson
Brett Bentson & Emily Case
Susan Haas Bralove & Steven Bralove
E. John Bullard
Thomas M. & Kate Cheney Chappell
Sonya Clark & Darryl Harper
Sara Clugage
Annet Couwenberg & Dan Meyers
Matt & Tanya Crane
Lynn Duryea
Fabio Fernandez & Christine Dunn
Michelle Millar Fisher & Austin Fisher
Mickie Flores & Tim Whitten
Laura & Todd Galaida
Elizabeth Hoelle
Ryan Hoover
Ayumi & Chloe Horie
Richard Howe
Lissa Hunter & Kirby Pilcher
Sequoyah Hunter-Cuyjet
Nina Johnson & Daniel Milewski
Helen Lee
Kaki Martin
Kate McNamara
Al & Nancy Merritt
Alison Croney Moses & David Moses
Rebecca Nemser
John Ollman
Andres Payan Estrada
Robin Petravic & Catherine Bailey
Gina Podesta & David Stephens
Claire Sanford & Charles Crowley
Rosanne Somerson & Jonathan Cherneff
Joan & Pablo Sorensen
Chris Staley & Kate Staley
Val Wicks