LIMESTONE — With roughly $700 raised for scholarships and about 70 employees relaxing with lunch and comedic entertainment, the Caribou BPW’s annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon on April 24 was deemed a success.
Contributed photo
Caribou BPW members attending the annual luncheon were, from left, Rani Belanger, Elaine Haines, Darlene Grass, Shelley O’Rourke, Leah Mazzerole, Shawn Cunningham Cloukey, Margaret Kimball and Elizabeth Beaulieu.
There were a few changes to the luncheon this year — a different venue, new entertainment and a blanket co-ed invitation — and the reported feedback has been all positive.
Caribou BPW President Rani Belanger said that the food was fantastic, the comedian was funny and holding the event at the Loring Job Corps Center went smoothly.
“We were actually a little worried that the change of location would affect the number of people [attending], but it didn’t,” Belanger said. Normally held at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center, the group holds the luncheon at the Ballroom of the Job Corps Center every few years out of appreciation for those who work at the Loring Commerce Centre and Limestone businesses.
Providing entertainment this year was Maine Comedian Mike Bunker, who Belanger praised for being able to accommodate the luncheon on short notice after the original comedian was unable to attend.
“Everyone thought [Mike Bunker] was great, and we’re very gracious that he was able to come at the last minute,” Belanger said.
This was the first year that the luncheon was open to men and women, and Belanger said that while the majority of attendees were female, roughly 10 percent of participants were male.
“There were a few businesses who sent male employees, but I think the ones that came had a great time,” she said.
The goal of the popular annual luncheon is to recognize and show appreciation for the employees of local businesses while raising funds for the organization’s three scholarships: the Caribou BPW Viola Willard High School Senior Scholarship, the Caribou BPW Interim Scholarship and the Caribou BPW Non-Traditional Scholarship.
As the luncheon has retained its popularity over the years, Caribou BPW members are entertaining the possibility of hosting a networking luncheon this summer.
Members of the Caribou BPW meet the first Thursday of every month at the Par and Grill in Caribou at 5:30 p.m.; interested individuals and potential new members are always welcome to attend a meeting and learn more about the group.
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| Contributed photo Alyse Snowe was the guest pianist at the annual Caribou BPW Luncheon, held at the Loring Job Corps Center this year on Administrative Professionals’ Day. |
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| Contributed photo Maine Comedian Mike Bunker had the room laughing on April 24. |
