THE FORKS, Maine (WABI) – ”This weekend is all about camaraderie, all the Elks organizations come together, there’s over 300 people here this weekend, all for the same goal of raising money for kids in the state of Maine that are fighting cancer,” answered state major project chairman of the Maine Elks Association Mike Desjardins,
There are more than 20 Elks Lodges throughout the state of Maine and they all come together for this event to work to raise money for Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Most meet in the middle at the Forks.
This is the fourth year of the event. Last year, they raised over 60 thousand dollar through raffles, auctions and simple donations. Even throwing people in a jail cell, asking only for a donation to get out.
“It checks a lot of boxes for us, the Maine Elks are really our biggest supporter, our most long-time supporter. 30-plus years they have been raising money for Maine’s Children Cancer Program. So, it’s incredible just the impact of this weekend fundraising-wise,” stated philanthropy manager of Maine Children’s Cancer Program Grace Jundro.
Lina and Mike Michaud started this event three years ago, with the idea of possibly 50 people enjoying a weekend together for a good cause. They never expected what it has grown into.
“Each year, more Elks wanted to get involved, and just jumped on board, and what makes it so special is we’re all doing it, working together for one cause and we are all passionate about Maine Children’s Cancer and 100% of the proceeds go to that,” said state scholarship chairman of the Maine Elks Association Lina Michaud.
“It makes a tremendous impact for our program, we really rely on the generosity of the community, to be able to offer the exceptional care that we do at Maine Children’s Cancer Program, support things like social work programs, child-life specialists, really kind of the extra things that make treatment for childhood cancer or blood disorder just a little bit easier for these families that are going through so much,” added Jundro.
This year the goal has increased to 75 thousand dollars to bring the total from the four years of this event up to 200 thousand. Every year so far, they have far exceed their goal.
To learn more about the M.C.C.P. or make a donation, click here.
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Publish date : 2024-08-23 14:48:00
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