Recently over 50 attendees tied up their bowling shoes at Northern Lanes in Presque Isle for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser. The Oct. 25, 2015 event raised $2,929 to support the families of critically ill children from Aroostook County served last year by the facilities in Bangor and Portland.
There was great excitement with 10 teams bowling for a chance to win trophies and delicious pizza and make your own sundaes provided by the event sponsors.
Livin’ on a Spare won the best team name category, the Ink-Credibles were the top fund-raising team and the KTC Rollers claimed the highest score trophy.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine supports children and families of Maine, New Hampshire and beyond through its core programs: Ronald McDonald House Bangor, Ronald McDonald House Portland, and the Ronald McDonald Family Room. “When a family stays at a Ronald McDonald House, they find a warm smile from a friendly volunteer, a home cooked meal to enjoy after a long day at the hospital, a good night’s sleep in a comforting home-like environment, and emotional support from other families facing similar situations,” said Ashley MacMillan, community relations manager.
“Although the operating costs are approximately $75 a night per family, the suggested donation for a stay is just $10 per night. Last year, 7,750 nights were provided to nearly 800 families who called Ronald McDonald House Bangor and Portland home. Over 65 percent of those families were unable to contribute towards their stay due to mounting medical bills.” MacMillan explained.
“Because of the support of the community,” MacMillan added, “no family is ever turned away.” The Ronald McDonald Family Room, located at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital within Maine Medical Center, is a place where a tired family can take a few minutes to relax in a home-like setting to prepare a light snack, access the Internet, or do laundry when caring for their child.
