Brian’s Ride fundraiser helps out Cary Center
CARIBOU, Maine — The Legion basement was packed with small businesses on Saturday morning for a charitable “Vendor Blender,” in which homemade food, crafts, jewelry, art, and a multitude of other items were sold by local businesses.
A portion of proceeds from all vendors went to the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center as part of the Brian’s Ride program, an effort that has been active for nearly one year.
Named after Brian Caldwell, who passed away from cancer in May of 2014, the organization has been actively orchestrating fundraisers for local cancer patients.
Pamela Caldwell and Sharon Pelletier, both co-chairs and founders of Brian’s Ride, were responsible for organizing last weekend’s event.
“Brian’s Ride was developed in August of 2015, starting with a motorcycle ride,” Caldwell said. Our committee decided we would carry on with all funds going towards local cancer patients through the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center. It all stays local in the community for anyone that is in need and battling cancer.”
Money raised can be used for a variety of resources, from fuel, heating oil, groceries, to medical co-pay. Those interested in the program can sign up via one-page application offered at Cary Medical Center.
“This is called a vendor blender,” Caldwell explained, “and it has all local merchants with something to sell. They are giving part of what they sell back to Brian’s Ride.”
An hour after the event began, both Caldwell and Pelletier said the Legion basement saw a significant amount of traffic.
Since the onus for this event was placed on individual vendors, the setup effort was fairly minimal in comparison to other Brian’s Ride events.
“I think it’s a win-win for everybody,” Pelletier said. “I think the location is good, since it’s right in town. Also, any fund-raising events through the Legion are free to host. A friend of mine is a member here and offered beverages and bartending for free.”
Amy Suitter, who sold a variety of tupperware products, was among the many vendors.
“Tupperware has been around for about 70 years,” Suitter said, “and we are slowly getting more consultants in the county area. Today we are helping with Brian’s Ride and looking to raise some funds for the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center.”
As with all the vendors, Suitter donated a portion of her profits to the cause.
“I had been with Tupperware for a few years, but wasn’t trying very hard to do it at first,” Suitter explained. “After a year of not doing it, I realized I really missed it and then got started again. I literally just celebrated what I call my one year tupper-versary.”
Suitter says there are several uses for tupperware, even though the product is over half a century old.
“We have everything from kids toys to bowls, and microwaveable items,” Suitter said. “It’s a good method of food storage that can go from your fridge, to your freezer, and to your microwavable without forcing you to switch dishes. Everything here is microwave and dishwasher safe, and even though Tupperware has been around for years, we’re evolving while maintaining the items that were around back when it first came out.”
Vicky Dunn, a consultant for Paparazzi Accessories, donated $2.25 from each item sold to Brian’s Ride.
Dunn sold numerous pieces of jewelry, all of which were lead- and nickel-free.
“It’s been going very well today,” said Dunn, and we have 24 items sold so far, not counting what’s sitting in back for pickup. Plus, all necklaces come with free matching earrings.”
Dunn was introduced to the jewelry world through a Facebook party, an online event where buyers can go buy products during a limited time.
“I went to two, had fun, and decided to sign up,” Dunn said. “My Facebook parties last two hours. I create the show and then everybody invites their friends. I post stock photos of each item and people start shopping, and then do the shipping right from home.”
Mandy Kilcollins, a consultant for microfiber cleaning company Norwex, has hosted Facebook parties as well as house parties, and also made an appearance at the Legion for the cancer charity.
“Brian’s Ride contacted me since of my customers works with coordinator,” Kilcollins said. “They asked me to come set up a booth, and everything has been amazing so far, especially being such a new product,” Kilcollins said.
Kilcollins emphasized that all Norwex products are non-toxic, ensuring consumer safety.
“I have three girls that all have medical issues, and we wanted to use something that was safer for our family and this is what we chose,” Kilcollins said. “I’ve been selling it since then. There are only a few vendors in Aroostook County that currently offer these products.”
“You’re cleaning without chemicals,” Kilcollins said. “All cloths can be used with water, but we do offer non-toxic cleaning products as well. I’ve been with Norwex since April,” she added.
According to Kilcollins, Norwex microfiber is 1/200 of a strand of hair.
With one 12- by 12-inch cloth, there is enough fiber to go from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico,” Kilcollins said.
Roughly an hour into the event, Caldwell said the public reception has been positive.
“It looks like people are having fun,” Caldwell said. “We would absolutely do this in the future. Keeping the word out there helps. Hopefully by next year we can grow and expand.”
Both Caldwell and Pelletier added that they were very thankful to all vendors in attendance. As of Tuesday afternoon, money from the fundraiser has not been fully counted, though Cary Medical Center’s Community Relations Director Bill Flagg estimates the group raised approximately $1,000.
