BANGOR — Northern Light Acadia Hospital has received a generous gift of $50,000 to support its therapeutic garden program. The gift, made by First National Bank, was given in memory of Sarah Dubay, former Bangor city councilor and First National Bank employee, and will benefit the Acadia For All campaign.
On July 16, a special ceremony was held at Northern Light Acadia Hospital to dedicate a custom-made bench in Dubay’s honor. Several of her former banking colleagues and community members with whom she volunteered were on hand to commemorate the generous donation and dedication of Sarah’s Bench in Acadia’s therapeutic garden.
Acadia Hospital’s therapeutic garden helps patients grow, heal, and navigate their mental health challenges through every aspect of gardening and horticulture. Through preparing soil, planting seeds and saplings, propagating existing plants into many, and more, patients learn to be resilient, self-sufficient, and how to be a valuable part of a community and a team. Patients learn how to manage anxiety, depression, bullying, and many other challenges through the lessons of nature and are taught how to take these skills beyond their time at Acadia, into their communities and homes.
“We are extremely appreciative of this meaningful gift from First National Bank,” says Mark Lukens, MBA, president of Northern Light Acadia Hospital. “This garden has a lasting effect on our patients; the pride they exude when sharing the literal fruits of their work is profound. I never had the honor of meeting Sarah, but from what I have learned, it’s fitting that the garden that brings smiles to so many of our most vulnerable community members would be dedicated in her memory.”
“First National Bank is proud to support the children’s therapy garden with Northern Light Health at Acadia Hospital,” said Tony McKim, president and CEO of First National Bank. “We are honored to commemorate this beautiful space and the unveiling of Sarah’s Bench, a symbol of remembrance for Sarah Dubay and her unwavering dedication to the Bangor community.”
To find out more about making a philanthropic commitment to the Acadia For All campaign, call Northern Light Health Foundation at 207-973-5055 or visit northernlight.org/AcadiaForAll.
