Window Panes Raises $12,000 for Pantry.
Dec 08, 2025
BAR HARBOR — The Bar Harbor Food Pantry is welcoming new leadership as it continues to expand its community reach. Emily Shubert Burke will step into the role of executive director on January 12, 2026, bringing more than 15 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit advancement.
“I’m honored to join the Bar Harbor Food Pantry at this exciting time in its history,” Burke said in a release. “The pantry’s mission to offer relief, nourishment, and hope deeply resonates with me.”
Burke has worked in nonprofit advancement, philanthropy, and community engagement for the last 15 years.
She was most recently the director of philanthropy at the MDI Biological Laboratory.
“Throughout her career, she has implemented strategic fundraising initiatives, cultivated major gift programs, built high-performing teams, and fostered cross-sector partnerships that strengthen both organizations and their communities,” according to the release.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Emily to the Bar Harbor Food Pantry. Her leadership, community connection, and deep understanding of nonprofit growth come at a perfect moment for us. We feel confidence and excitement for what this new partnership will bring to the organization as a whole,” Food Pantry Board Co-Chair Hannah Phippen said.
The pantry has had both significant increases in need and capacity and moved to a new location on Kennebec Place in Bar Harbor to help accommodate that need.
According to officials, the “organization’s new location has expanded its ability to serve more people across Mount Desert Island and beyond. With a dedicated staff, engaged volunteers, and an active board, now co-chaired by Jena Young and Hannah Phippen, the pantry is well positioned for sustainable growth and impact.”
Burke replaces acting director Phoebe Denvir who replaced Tom Reeve, who resigned earlier this year.
Board Co-Chair Jena Young said, “The board would like to thank Phoebe Denvir, Acting Director, and staff members Sara Graves and Molly Hetzel for their incredible dedication and hard work over the past several months. Their commitment ensured that our programs continued seamlessly and that our community remained cared for.”
Window Panes Food Pantry Fundraiser Raises Over $12,000
“I’m eager to build upon the incredible foundation already in place (at the pantry), and to ensure that no one in our community faces food insecurity alone,” Burke said.
The pantry, volunteers, other nonprofits, and local businesses have been working hard together to make sure that doesn’t happy as well, especially this fall when federal SNAP benefits were impacted by the federal government shutdown.
Last month, Window Panes, a downtown Bar Harbor business had a month-long fundraiser for the pantry, which included a 100% match for the nonprofit.
“Monies were recently tallied and a check was dropped off to the pantry in the amount of just over $12,000,” Julie Veilleux, co-owner, said on December 4.
“We saw a need and were happy to take this on. Seeing how our community and those from away rallied around this was powerful and heartwarming. Small acts of kindness in your community can make huge impacts,“ Greg and Julie Veilleux said. “We are grateful to all those who donated. Thank you!”
In all, $6,058 was raised through donations and Window Panes matched with $6,058 for a total of $12,116.
“We initially capped our match at $5,000, but into the fundraiser made the decision that we would also match the additional money that came in,” Veilleux said of her and husband Greg’s decision to surpass their $5,000 match cap.
“We were both grateful to lead this fundraiser and we and the food pantry were both thrilled with the outcome. Our community really rallies to help each other out and this was just another example,” Veilleux said.
“We have been so touched and honored by this incredible drive. Seeing how Window Panes, and so many of their patrons, rallied to show this support means everything to us and the neighbors we serve,” Young said Monday. “This fall and winter we have especially seen small businesses, stepping up with food and financial donations. Window Panes is an excellent leader in the business community and this is a great example of that small town plus small business spirit trickling out!”
About the Bar Harbor Food Pantry
The Bar Harbor Food Pantry offers relief, nourishment, and hope to individuals and families across Mount Desert Island and surrounding communities. Through the support of generous donors and volunteers, the Pantry provides nutritious food and essential resources to anyone in need. Together, the Pantry’s staff, volunteers, and community partners work toward a future where no one faces food insecurity.
For more information, visit barharborfoodpantry.org.
For more information about Window Panes, check out its website here.
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