Residents turn out for baby’s benefit

by Staff Pioneer Times
14 years ago

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
NE-Makinlee1-dclr-pt-47PROUD PAPA — Shawn Margison holds his infant daughter, Makinlee, at the benefit in her honor as kindergarten teacher Daphna Harris looks on.
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Two-month-old Makinlee Margison was the center of attention Saturday evening at Houlton Elementary School (HES) when area residents attended a benefit supper for the tiny tyke battling a non-malignant tumor and a hemangioma.
    Alisa Margison, the baby’s appreciative mother said the event went well considering the bad weather that brought with it the area’s first snowfall. “I am very grateful for all the donations, for the support of the community and the prayers for Makinlee.”
    Judith Jameson, said she was always happy to see her great-granddaughter who has had multiple medical procedures. “She’s been through a lot, the poor little thing. And, God willing, she’ll make it.”
    Margison not only had family support from her own mother, grandmother, sister, nieces and nephews, but from an outpouring of community residents and businesses that helped make the event a success to raise about $3,000 for the family to help with expenses related to the baby’s illness and to help them put a dent in their bills.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
NE-Makinlee2-dc-pt-47SILENT AUCTION — Wendy Caron and son Dillan look at items up for bid at Saturday’s benefit for Makinlee Margison. Next to them is Joy Conrad and Jody Hall.
    HES Principal Candy Crane said “a wonderful dedicated group of mothers wanted to help the family. And the school seemed like the logical place for the benefit since the Margison children are part of the school family.” Jennifer Roshto helped get the benefit ball rolling and said she had a lot of help from the community “who jumped in” to volunteer and donate food, as well as prizes for raffles, grab bags and the silent auction. Many people wore commemorative buttons with Makinlee’s photo that had been taken by Crystal Blake before her first surgery. Blake said what so many have said about the child: “I’m in love with her.” 
    Mike and Shelley Beals are Makinlee’s grandparents and will continue to accept donations at Beals Variety, 61 Main St.