2026 Basket Social
Saturday, SEPT 26 ~ 9am to 12pm
Eliza Steele Memorial Garden
MacDougal Park, Broadway, Rockland
In the early 1900s, basket socials were community gatherings when local bakers offered baskets of their delicacies to raise money for a new church roof, school, community nurse.
RDNA’s largest source of operating income is community donations ~ every Doughnator, pie, loaf of bread, and biscuit count. Watch the RDNA Facebook page for details.
Today, the need for our nursing services is simply immense!
2026 Doughnators
McLoon’s Lobster Shack invites you to join and let our nurses know we care!
Doughnators are individuals, businesses, groups, friends and family. Many join together as a “group” to make a donation in memory of a loved one, in honor of a special occasion, or simply with a shared interest.
Special shout-out to the Rockland District High School classes who have donated in memory of RDNA’s Eliza Steele, RN ~ their beloved school nurse.
Become a Doughnator leading up to the Basket Social. Doughnators are included on the Doughnator board.
- Minimum donation of $30 ~ please note if you are part of a “group” donating
- Let us know if you are Team Savory or Sweet: Sourdougnators… feed the starter ~ Cookie Doughnators… sweeten the basket
- All donations support RDNA services
The Doughnator board is proudly displayed first during the Basket Social and on event social media, then in the nursing office and on the RDNA web-site through the year.
The Doughnator board list includes:
- Individuals who have been remembered or honored
- Doughnator “groups” ~ only the “group” name is listed
- Individual Doughnators (with permission)
“This event is really important to RDNA ~ when we are able to see, speak, gather with friends and neighbors. We all look forward to this day in the garden!“
Fun in the Garden
Storytime, face painting, chalk art, scarecrows ~ Join storyteller Carolyn Rasmussen for tall tales in the garden. There will be a “kids corner” with face painting, sidewalk chalk art, and a “goodie” table ~ all weather dependent. Rumor has it that scarecrows will be on hand, built by area high school students.
Let’s Talk District Nursing
Visit us in the RDNA info tent.
Join the 2026 Doughnators.
Curated Bake Sale
Come early ~ we sell out fast! This year’s curated bake sale includes old favorites and new treats ~ both savory and sweet ~ from local bakers in the communities RDNA serves. Gluten free offerings and doggie treats will again be available.
Raffle Baskets
Raffle tickets are: 2 for $10 or 5 for $20
They will be sold during the Basket Social, and the winning tickets drawn at the end of the event. Winners do not need to be present during the drawing.
Gift basket includes a family membership to the Owls Head Transportation Museum, and certificates from Car Quest Auto & Boat Shop, Wass’s Hot Dogs, and Dairy Queen
Total basket value = $245
Gift basket includes an adult 3-month membership to the Penobscot Bay YMCA and gear from the Puffins’ Nest
Total basket value = $270
Gift basket includes a family membership to the Farnsworth Art Museum, certificates from the Owls Head General Store, Jess’s Market, Curtis Meats and Lincoln’s Country Store
Total basket value = $290
Gift basket includes two nights with breakfast at the Rockland Harbor Hotel, 4 movie tickets plus concessions at the Strand, and a gift certificate from the Crooked Spoon
Total basket value = $760
“The generosity and kindness of these raffle basket donors during these turbulent times, especially for small businesses, is such a boost!“
Last year’s Doughnator board…
“Looking at the Doughnator list in our office each day makes me smile. Remembering last year’s Basket Social, I think of people busy baking, others visiting local businesses for basket treasures, and still others making new connections at Eliza Steele’s garden. We nurses thank you all for keeping the wind in our sails!”
Lise Duda, RN, RDNA Clinical Care Director
2026 Spring Recipes
Since COVID, each year we share local recipes for well loved comfort foods to let you know we care. If you would like to receive these recipes, join our mailing list.