NEWPORT — The Sparkle 2011 Planning Committee recently gathered for its annual potluck and critique of this year’s event.

Eight organizations received a check for $1,600 to support specific projects. The best return yet for six years of Sparkle events sponsored by the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce.

With this year’s total added to five previous years, the Sparkle fundraiser has now returned $78,000 to the Sebasticook Valley region over its six-year history.