In the 1960s, Pine Tree Society, headquartered in Bath, had the idea that a Maine-themed holiday card would be a perfect fundraiser.  More than fifty years later, that tradition is still going strong and annual sales have raised over $3 million dollars to support and transform the lives of Maine people with disabilities.

Bath artist Sandy Crabtree’s paintings have been featured on Pine Tree Society’s holiday cards 12 times.  This year, Pine Tree Society went back to its archives to offer a special, limited edition rerelease of a customer favorite featuring her painting of Pemaquid Lighthouse.

Crabtree is a noted children’s book illustrator and a longtime Bath resident who taught at Morse High School for nearly 30 years.

Her painting “Winter Sunlight’ captures one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses and its keeper’s cottage on Maine’s rocky coast.  A crisp winter day serves as the backdrop for a snow-covered landscape of twinkling lights with a festive balsam wreath adorning the cottage.

“Pine Tree Society’s art collection is wonderful and I love being a part of it,” she said.  “You never know how it strikes people’s hearts.  The holiday cards evoke feelings of nostalgia for Maine as a place where you grew up or visited.”

One hundred percent of proceeds from annual holiday card sales support Pine Tree Society’s programs. Cards are available in two formats, folding and postcards, and each purchase has a very important purpose: to help Maine people with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives.

Holiday cards can be ordered online here or by calling 207-386-5912.