HOULTON, Maine — A fundraising skate-a-thon and silent auction at the Millar Civic Center on March 10 collected more than $15,000 for two local families in need.
Organized by the Southern Aroostook Minor Hockey Association, the event benefited the families of Simon Cyr, a 17-month-old who died March 3 after a lengthy battle with a congenital heart defect; and Liz Ervin, a Houlton woman who is battling a rare form of cancer.
More than 100 youths participated in the two-hour skate-a-thon, while many of the adults attended an auction in the upstairs meeting room of the arena.
The final day of ice skating at Millar Civic Center was Sunday, March 18.
“I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to the community that pulled together to make this event special,” said Serenna Fitzpatrick of SAMHA. “There are so many people to thank for their efforts. In fear of missing someone, you know who you are and you are loved for all that you did to make this event special for both families. There were lots of laughs on the ice and even more laughs at the auction. It truly takes a village, the proof was more than evident this weekend.”
Cyr, the son of Levi and Michelle Cyr, spent half his life in the hospital, including time spent both at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland and Boston Children’s. He has two siblings Peyton and Aiden.
Ervin is maintaining a strong outlook in her fight against cancer, while raising her five children along with her husband Ken.
