Fundraising event for Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital brings big voices and big hearts

By Melissa Carter

Erik’s Church in Windham hosted another successful fundraising event to support MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (MHBBCH) that spanned two days, Tuesday, March 4 and Wednesday, March 5. The shows were presented by Country 99.9 The Wolf and sponsored by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein and Webster Tree Service.

LOCASH band members, from left, Chris Lucas and Preston 
Brust supported Barbara Bush Children's Hospital fundraising
event by donating their time performing for a two-night show 
at Erik's Church in Windham on March 5 and 6.
PHOTO BY MELISSA CARTER

Country duo LOCASH took the stage both nights with performances that had the packed house entertained to the fullest both with their musical talent and their fun, upbeat sense of humor. They of course played their chart-topping hit “Hometown Home.” Special guest Randall King opened Tuesday, while Kelsey Hart began the night on Wednesday.

This event, now in its fourth year, with a total of seven shows, has not only brought in some of the best acts in country music to Erik’s Church, but has also raised more than $120,000 for MHBBCH. This event alone raised $17,966.

Ken Cianchette, the owner of Erik’s Church, said that tickets ranged from $35 to $250, and 100 percent of proceeds went to the hospital.

“Country 99.9 The Wolf, Erik’s Church, and the artists donate their time, airwaves, room, and personnel which is a combined value of about $70,000 in market price donation,” he said.

LOCASH band members Chris Lucas and Preston Brust said giving back by donating their time to help children is what they are all about.

“Being able to contribute to the kids and support the community really fills our cup up and puts life in perspective,” said Brust. “We have families of our own and have been fortunate to have good health, but we know not everyone is that lucky. And anything we can do to help these families is our way of paying back for all that we have been blessed with.”

Lucas agreed.

“Family for us is our number one priority above all,” said Lucas. “They are our biggest supporters and source of inspiration. It’s only natural for us to want to support other families where and whenever we can.”

Kate Richardson, MHBBCH Senior Philanthropy Manager, said the children’s hospital benefits from roughly 36 annual events and programs, not including the many, many community events that are organized on our behalf each year from lemonade stands to swim-a-thons.

“Our goal is to raise $2.3 million dollars to support the highest priorities,” she said.

In an average year, MHBBCH sees more than 100,000 patient visits from across Maine and the region. On the Wednesday night of the show at Erik’s Church, the hospital was almost at max capacity and this is not unusual.

Faye Weir, MHBBCH Vice President of Patient Care Services said the hospital has 51 beds total for its NICU/CCN floor with 31 for intensive care infants and 20 for intermediate care.

“All rooms can be used for the most intensive needs,” Weir said. “That night, we did have a total of 47 infants and this can vary. To ensure we can accept transfers in from across the state, if we have more infants than beds, we use several steps, so we do not have to go on diversion. We'll use beds on CFT1 for overflow, move babies to BBI inpatient for additional space, and other steps.

Weir said they are often at 90 percent or greater capacity. The PICU has a total of eight beds, and it is becoming more typical to be at seven children due to the expanding pediatric cardiology surgical program.

“It helps to keep kids local and not to go to Boston for care,” she said. “We are so proud of the work done and the fundraising because it helps us meet the expanding needs of the babies and pediatric patients in Maine."

According to Richardson each year, unrestricted funds that are raised are allocated to the areas of greatest need within the children's hospital.

“These determinations are made on an annual basis by our Chair of Pediatrics and additional hospital leadership. We cannot stress enough the value of community support in allowing our care team to respond to the greatest needs as they arise,” she said. “Often these funds are used to support the purchase of new state-of-the-art equipment, to pilot new programs or expand existing ones, to fund education for our care team members and the families of our young patients and to allow our children's hospital to remain on the cutting edge of pediatric medicine through participation in national research initiatives.”

Frank Harris, the MHBBCH Nursing Manager of the BBCH Pediatric Inpatient unit and a Windham resident says the being the only children’s hospital in the state, there is an ultimate goal of being able to expand to a bigger, free-standing hospital someday.

“Portland, Windham, and the surrounding areas are growing so fast,” Harris said. “We’re seeing record numbers of babies being born every year, and as those kiddos grow, we know our children’s units are going to need to grow too. We already have to get pretty creative during our busiest times, and while the hospital is awesome about helping us find extra space on adult units, let’s be honest, those just aren’t the best places for kids. There’s a big difference between what adults need and what works for kids and families.”

Richardson and Harris both agree that while the hospital is small, they are mighty and that is thanks to an amazing staff and the fact that the local communities always show up in support of the kids.

“In my travels, there is rarely a week that goes by that I don’t meet someone who has a personal connection the MHBBCH, whether it’s a neighbor, classmate, family member, or colleague and everyone knows someone who has been cared for here,” Richardson said. “It’s an organization that means so much to so many people across our state.”

Harris said seeing the way our community rallies around us through events like this one, means the world to hospital staff.

“That support helps us keep doing what we do best – take care of Maine kids,” said Harris.

He says he is so proud of the hospital team.

“They show up every day ready to make a difference. We focus just as much on supporting families as we do the patients, whether that's through education, emotional support, or just being there during really tough moments,” Harris said. “There’s nothing better than watching a child get to go home feeling better or knowing we made a difficult time a little easier for a family.”

MHBBCH is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, and during that time has helped thousands of children and families.

“Events like concerts at Erik’s Church bring the community together to transform the care that we’re able to provide for families here in Maine and there is no better example of ‘community’ than a room full of people and business owners who have shown up to enjoy a great time, but most importantly, to lend their support to our cause,” said Richardson.

Cianchette said that as soon as this year’s event was over, they began to look for an artist or band for next year’s MHBBCH event and will usually announce who that artist will be at the start of winter.

Erik’s Church hosts fundraisers throughout the year for many other nonprofit organizations, with their next event scheduled for Thursday, May 22 with the Don Campbell Band appearing to support Veterans Forward.

Organizers of the fundraising event say they are thankful for the contributions, large and small, made to support MHBBCH. In the words of Brust and Lucas, “You should be proud to make this hometown home.”

There are many ways you can support MHBBCH, from volunteering your time and making a toy or monetary donation, to creating your own fundraiser or even purchasing a MHBBCH license plate.

To learn more about the hospital, discover resources or to find out more about the ways in which your dollars contribute to the hospital’s programs, services, and equipment and get involved please visit www.mainehealth.org/barbara-bush-childrens-hospital. You may also mail a check to 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102. <

Fundraiser rallies support for abused children in Maine

By Ed Pierce

Bill Diamond of Windham isn’t about to overlook the issue of child abuse and child deaths while in state care in Maine and that’s why he created the nonprofit foundation called “Walk A Mile in Their Shoes” several years ago. On the evening of Sept. 5, supporters gathered at Erik’s Church in Windham and raised thousands to help the foundation continue its important work.

Auctioneer Stef Keenan was the emcee for the Walk A Mile
in Their Shoes Foundation's annual fundraiser at Erik's
Church in Windham on Sept, 5. He thanked each of the
many sponsors of the event which were listed on two
posters by the door. It raised thousands for the foundation,
which was created to reduce child abuse and child deaths
while in state care in Maine. PHOTO BY PATRICK COREY   

Diamond, a longtime State Senator and State Representative representing Windham in the Maine Legislature and a former Maine Secretary of State, said preventing child homicides and the abuse of children who are under the supervision or direct care of the State of Maine or who are or have been associated with the state’s Child Protective System is at the heart of what Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Foundation is all about.

“Donations are tax deductible and are making a difference in preventing the abuse and deaths of children in state care,” Diamond said. “We have brought much-needed accountability to the system that is failing our children. Momentum is on our side to help our most vulnerable children who are not being protected.”

He said that as of this past June, 2,573 children were in Maine state care and custody.

“Maine has the highest rate of child abuse and maltreatment in the nation, in fact, Maine’s rate of child abuse is over twice the national rate,” Diamond said. “More than 54 children died in Maine care over the last two years and another 34 died in 2021, four in one month. I started working this serious problem in 2001 when 5-year-old Logan Marr was killed by her foster mother, Sally Schofield, who used 42 feet of duct tape to bind Logan in a highchair and then put her in the basement unsupervised. She tipped over and then suffocated slowly. We discovered the department was failing children in many ways including not following required regulations pertaining to child safety.”

According to Diamond, this was during the administration of Maine Gov. Angus King and he since then the following three gubernatorial administrations, two Democrat and one Republican, have failed children as well.

“Children are dying at record numbers so we at the Walk A Mile in Their Shoes Foundation are committed to exposing the department’s failed policies and pressuring them to change their policies and their continued mismanagement,” Diamond said. “We are volunteers, and we use the funds donated to us, every dollar, to reach out and build awareness among Maine citizens and policy makers about the problem and to build support for change.”

Foundation member Patrick Corey of Windham said that this is the second consecutive year that Walk A Mile supporters have held a fundraiser at Erik’s Church and about 150 people attended the event.

“The organization is doing a fantastic job, and the results speak for themselves,” Corey said.

Kenny Cianchette of Erik’s Church says he was happy to help the foundation by hosting the fundraiser.

“This is a justifiable cause to save kids,” he said. “The stats are going in the wrong direction and Bill Diamond has been pursuing this intently to help children across Maine.”

Diamond said that the foundation is starting to see concrete results and has made a difference in the short time since it was launched.

“Change has happened in only our second year of existence,” Diamond said. “The Director of the Office of Child and Family Services resigned last December, one day after we released our researched report revealing the broken culture in the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the continual attempts to hide the facts of child deaths from the press and the public.”

Diamond said the state’s DHHS Commissioner resigned this spring which is a clear indicator that those in charge are eager to leave now that the facts about child abuse in the state are being uncovered.

“Maine’s independent Child Welfare Ombudsman has reported for the past four years that DHHS still does not make good decisions when it comes to placing children in safe environments,” he said.

Fundraising totals from the Sept. 5 event run well into the thousands are still being tabulated, but Diamond said that everyone associated with Walk A Mile in Their Shoes is grateful and appreciative for the support.

“It was a huge success, and the funds donated will help us on our journey to build a system that better protects our children,” Diamond said. “Kenny Cianchette, the owner of Erik’s Church, not only donated his tavern and his time, but also helped to raised money along with the dedication and support of Chris Black from Nappi Distributors and Shaw Brothers Construction. I am so grateful to everyone who attended and supported our cause, and we are so pleased that we are making a difference for our vulnerable children.”

Event sponsors included Central Maine Power, Maine Beverage, K&D Countertops, Tonya DiMillo, Senator Brad Farrin, Senator Jeff Timberlake, Maine Energy Marketers Association, Casco Bay Ford, Moody’s Collision Center, Joe Bruno, Johnny Shucks, UPP, Baxter Brewing, Mitchell Tardy Jackson, Glenn Cummings and Leslie Appelbaum, Dick Roy, Hall Implement Co., Troiano Waste, Mark Irving, Valley Beverage, Rep. Kim and Phil Pomeleau, Allagash Brewing Company, and Shipyard Brewing Company.

Auctioneer Stef Keenan of Windham was emcee for the event. < 

Country star Michael Ray performs at Erik’s Church to raise money for The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital

By Melissa Carter

Nearly 300 people gathered at Erik’s Church over the course of two days, March 5 and March 6, to take in the inspiring acoustics of Warner Music Nashville recording artist Michael Ray and raise funds for The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital of Portland.

Warner Music Nashville recording artist Michael
Ray performs at Erik's Church in Windham to
raise funds for the Barbara Bush Children's 
Hospital of Portland.
PHOTO BY MELISSA CARTER  

The concert was presented by Country 99.9 The Wolf radio for the third consecutive year and featured special guests Ashley Cooke on Tuesday and Meghan Patrick on Wednesday. The community came together to bring in a jaw-dropping $38,000 between donations, ticket sales and live auction for tickets to see Tim McGraw in Boston.

Kenny Cianchette, the owner of Erik’s Church, expressed his gratitude for having a venue capable of giving people a chance to come together for a good cause and experience an intimate night of fun and good music at the same time. Cianchette hosts various fundraising events throughout the year and said it’s just one of the reasons that he absolutely loves what he does being in the business.

Before taking the stage on March 6, Ray answered a few questions during an interview.

His humble demeanor was like talking to an old friend instead of someone who has traveled the country and played on renowned stages like the Grand Old Opry over 75 times.

Ray said this was not his first visit to Maine, but that he hasn’t really had the chance to explore the beauty here like he wants to and hopes to experience the many outdoor recreation opportunities that he loves here like hunting and fishing.

According to Ray, he was inspired by country music since he was a very young boy, having had the influence of his grandfather Amos who played guitar and formed a family country band. It was Amos that taught Ray to play guitar at the age of 9 and he began writing his own songs when he was 11.

In describing his creative writing process, Ray had to stop and think for a minute. “It kind of just comes in waves,” he said. “When I am touring, I am solely focused on performing, but when I get down time, I find that through conversations, experiences and dreams the words and rhythms just come to me.”

He said he has a bank of more than 100 unreleased songs and there is no end in sight.

Ray has performed with many big names in country music but said one of his personal favorite tours was “Higher Education” with friends and idols Kid Rock, Lee Brice, Tim Montana and Billy Gibbons. He said he would love to collaborate with Gary Allen someday as he has looked up to him since his early days of learning to play guitar and that his music always spoke to him.

Aside from playing with Gary Allen, Ray is hoping to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry and to start a family. For now, his basset hound Bo is the one who welcomes him to his Georgia home when gets breaks, which is only for about two months a year. On his down time, he enjoys grilling in his backyard and getting outdoors hunting turkey and duck.

He says the best advice he’s ever been given is “Trust your gut, trust the process.”

When Ray went on stage at Erik’s Church, he captivated the audience with his relatable lyrics and stories and showcased such genuine talent. His heartfelt performance and overall realness was something felt by all who attended the show.

Ray expressed his love of this region and of Erik’s Church for its hometown feel. He said the outpouring of community support here is evident and there is nothing he loves more than being able to bring people together through music to raise money for a good cause.

“That is what country music is about,” he said, “It’s about community, connection, and giving back. Playing on a small stage like Erik’s Church is a nice change, a chance to just kind of ‘shoot from the hip’ and be myself.” <

Sebago Lakes Region Chamber welcomes new board chair and recognizes award recipients

By Kaysa Jalbert

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce celebrated 60 years with the theme “Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present & Shaping the Future” at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner held on Thursday, Jan. 18 at Camp Sunshine in Casco.

From left, Vickie Bartlett, Jane Bartlett, President/CEO Robin
Mullins and Board Chair Jonathan Priest gather during the
Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce's annual
meeting and awards ceremony on Jan. 18 at Camp Sunshine
in Casco. The Bartletts attended the ceremony representing
the Bartlett family as the late George Bartlett was honored
with the Frank Koenig Chamber Hall of Fame Award.
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

“We shared a video on the Chamber’s incredible history and discussed how the organization continues to thrive and evolve as the region changes,” said Robin Mullins, President of the Sebago Lakes Region of Commerce. A table at the event highlighted the 60 years of the Chamber’s history, including regional guides and photo albums.

Two new Board Members were added to the chamber’s leadership team for 2024. Tricia Zwirner of the Nominating Committee introduced the new board members, Maureen LaSalle of Northern Lights Mechanical, and Maureen Mazur of Taro Health.

The Chamber Board also voted Jonathan Priest of J. Priest Insurance to succeed Jennifer Arsenault of Edward Jones as the new Board Chair. Arsenault was awarded a plaque to commemorate her term of service as Board Chair.

The Annual Meeting also included a social hour, a buffet dinner, a business meeting, and ended by recognizing the following award recipients:

Dave Pollard presented the Chamber’s Community Service Leadership Award to Lacy Antonson for her work in Gray, especially at the Gray Wild Blueberry Festival. Mullins said that the Community Service Leadership Award recognizes a civic-minded individual or group that has made a significant contribution to the quality of life in the Sebago Lakes Region. Nominees are passionate about a cause and work tirelessly for the greater good and to inspire others to become involved in their community.

The Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented annually to a Chamber member operating in the Lakes Region whose innovation and creativity have succeeded in starting their own successful business while opening new economic opportunities for the Sebago Lakes Region. This member has donated their time and/or resources unselfishly for the good of their local community, Mullins said. This year, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Shaw Dwight of Paul's Boutique in Windham. He thanked his team, his father, and his wife for helping him become successful.

Richie Vraux presented the Business of the Year Award to Kenny Cianchette and his team at Erik's Church in Windham. “This award is presented to a Chamber member operating in the region that has set an example in leadership, innovation, and quality, and has provided noteworthy economic opportunity to the people of the Sebago Lakes Region,” said Mullins. “This business should also have donated their time and/or resources unselfishly for the good of their local community.”

Mullins announced the winner of the Frank Koenig Chamber Hall of Fame Award. This specific award is presented to an individual whose commitment of time, resources and talent have made the Sebago Lakes Region a better place to pursue one’s livelihood and dreams.

“Frank Koenig was passionate about the chamber and worked tirelessly for the betterment of our region and his local Chamber of Commerce,” says Mullins. “Like Frank, the recipient should have a history of passionate and active contributions to the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. This person should have made an impact on the chamber and the local community all while maintaining the highest of integrity. The award is presented posthumously to George Bartlett, who we sadly lost in July of 2023.”

The Frank Koenig Chamber Hall of Fame Award given to Bartlett was accepted by his wife, Jane, and his daughter, Vickie, who spoke on behalf of the family, expressing their gratitude for recognizing how much George meant to the community, and how much he would have loved this award.

Mullins said that the Chamber looks forward to another busy year of events in 2024 such as the monthly Business Breaks, the Polar Dip in February, Member Appreciation Week in May, the Scholarship Golf Open in June, the Golf Ball Drop at Summerfest, a Pancake Breakfast at the Gray Wild Blueberry Festival, community Trunk or Treats, the Sebago Spirits Festival, and other community holiday events including the Bid of Christmas.

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce was launched 60 years ago by a group of innovative business owners and was called the North Windham Business Association and is now made up of 14 Board Directors and seven officers whose mission is to foster economic growth and prosperity throughout the region. <