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The Portland League Hits A Home Run

With more than 300 people from Maine and beyond in attendance, The Portland League of Young Voters Education Fund's "Step Up to the Plate" event honored nine of Portland's leading social entrepreneurs, raised thousands of $$$$$, and entertained with Olympic Gold Medalist Seth Wescott and DJ Saylove.

The Portland League definitely made history this week with an event and fund raiser that totally Winner blew us all away. "Step Up to the Plate," our event to honor Portland's young social entrepreneurs, was the culmination of many months of planning and tons of social engagement.

For more than a month, people from throughout Maine were encouraged to log on and vote for nine Portland-based social entrepreneurs from a field of 43 nominees. Well over 1,000 people cast their votes, so to say that Leaguers were on the edge of their seats is an understatement.

Forrest The big night was REALLY big. More than 300 people filed into the ballroom at the Holiday Inn by the Bay on October 3, a who's who of Portland and beyond.One attendee commented, "What other organization would throw an event where the Portland Regional Chamber rubs shoulders with the Dyke March organizers?!" Pretty accurate.

With politicians, community leaders and and business owners all on board mingling with each other and Leaguers, it was pretty clear that The League hit a bulls eye.

Of course, the highlight of the night was the presentation of the Step Up to the Plate awards ... but we decided to let the energy build.

After grooves from DJ Saylove, a continuous slide show presentation of League highlights in 2006-2007, some great eats, and an inspirational speech from our commander in chief Justin Alfond, we had a little star power.

Seth Wescott, Olympic Gold Medal winner in Snowboard Cross presented a video about Seth himself and his career before making remarks encouraging attendees, nominees, Leaguers and Mainers like him to be socially and environmentally conscious.

By then, people were READY for the highlight of the night. So, without further ado, the winners.

Forrest Keever - Green Professional
Kim Anderson and Anna Maria Tocci - Start Up Business Person
Sarah Bostick - Urban Ecologist
Vanessa Torres and Touching Ground - Artist
Michelle Boisvert - Service Worker
Saul Amedee - Technology Maven
Jill Barkley - Activist
Shana Paradis - City Employee winner2

Heather Chandler - Healthy Lifestyle Educator

So, a shout out to all of them, all the outstanding nominees and supportive attendees! And, thank you to all our sponsors and silent auction item donors. It are these people who committed to making The League - and the young people in Portland - truly successful.