WATERVILLE — Maine’s 14 Marden’s locations together raised nearly $40,000 to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the MDA Summer Camp mobile program. Additionally, the Marden family upped its matching funds to increase the total donation to $50,000.
The three Marden’s locations in Aroostook County raised nearly 10 percent of that total, with the Presque Isle store raising $2,408, Madawaska netting $1,501 and Houlton adding $1,005.
The donation was presented recently to the Maine MDA by Jake Marden, representing the family and the company.
Throughout August, Marden’s associates sold $1 and $5 pin-up mobiles to help send local children affected by neuromuscular diseases to a week where anything is possible at the MDA Summer Camp Agassiz Village in Poland, Maine — all at no cost to their families.
“MDA summer camp is often considered ‘the best week of the year’ for our kids, and it wouldn’t be possible without support from partners like Marden’s and its generous customers and employees,” said Brittni Bonville, fundraising coordinator for the MDA of Maine.
“Each mobile sold this summer helped support the families we serve and provide some amazing kids with life-changing camp experiences where they can build self-confidence and develop independence in an environment where barriers don’t exist. In addition to the fun and friendship, they acquired important skills that will help guide them into adulthood.”
During the program, the stores creatively displayed the purchased mobiles on their ceilings and walls, visually declaring steadfast support for helping children affected by muscle disease get stronger and live longer. This year was the 60th anniversary of MDA’s summer camp program.
This is the fifth year Marden’s has supported MDA through its mobile fundraising programs.
Donations help accelerate urgently needed progress for people whose abilities to move are compromised — including everyday abilities like walking, running, hugging, talking and even breathing.
In addition to the camp program, money raised from the mobile program helps support MDA’s life-enhancing programs such as its state-of-the-art clinics, including the MDA Clinic at Maine Medical Center in Portland and Eastern Maine Medical in Bangor.
