CARIBOU, Maine — On the final Sunday of June, Pink Aroostook hosted its inaugural Pink Plate Food Festival, an exciting new fundraiser held outdoors at the Caribou Rec Center. The event was a huge success — completely sold out! More than 10 food trucks and vendors participated by donating 200 samples of their choice to be judged “Best of the Breast” by attendees.
Participating vendors included Big Cheese Pizza, Caribou Sub Shop, Chuck’s Soda Wagon, Confectionately Yours, Parkhurst Siding Pub, Mami’s Spanish Kitchen, Rodney’s at 436 Main, Ruska Coffee Co., Shogun, Simply Delicious and Taste of Home Restaurant.
Taking home the top prize was Mami’s Spanish Kitchen of Madawaska, serving a generous selection of Spanish dishes including pork, beef, rice and beans. They were awarded the $1,000 grand prize, sponsored by local businesses. Ruska Coffee Co. was named first runner-up, impressing attendees with their dragonfruit lemonade and spicy tuna ceviche. They also won a $500 television advertising package in a random drawing, generously sponsored by WAGM.
The event also featured live music from local performers Ryan Remelia and Christopher Maldonado, with support from The Hungry Moose Pub. The atmosphere was upbeat and filled with community spirit. “I am having such a good time at this fundraiser,” said attendee Colby Cook. “I did not expect everything to be so filling — I regret eating breakfast this morning!”
Many breast cancer patients from the area were in attendance. One of them, Mari-Jo Hedman, shared her appreciation for Pink Aroostook’s support. Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in February 2023, she credited the organization with providing vital emotional and practical assistance.
“They did many wonderful things to help me feel more comforted, but the two things that were the biggest help to me were this huge book on everything you need to know about breast cancer and connecting me to other women with breast cancer,” she said. Hedman also extended her gratitude to everyone who purchased tickets or made donations, helping Pink Aroostook support others as they’ve supported her.
Hana Boucher, program director of Pink Aroostook, is already making plans to bring the Pink Plate Food Festival back next year. Interested in getting involved? Reach out to her at hboucher@carymed.org.
Pink Aroostook is dedicated to empowering breast cancer patients and survivors across Aroostook County. The organization provides emotional support, resources on treatment and survivorship, and financial assistance for treatment-related and travel expenses. Anyone in Aroostook County facing a breast cancer diagnosis is encouraged to contact Pink Aroostook at www.carymedicalcenter.org/pink-aroostook or follow Pink Aroostook on Facebook.
Pink Aroostook is a program of Cary Medical Center, a 63-bed acute care hospital well known for its patient-centered services. We are a community of providers committed to excellence in healthcare and to improving the lives of those we serve. We are actively engaged in advancing the health and wellness needs of people in Aroostook County, including the unserved and underserved. Cary Medical Center and Pines Health Services are equal opportunity providers and employers.
