Press Release
For Immediate Release
Lobster Roll Fundraiser Raises $3,900 to Support Christmas Program at The Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers
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WATERVILLE, Maine - Volunteers from the Friends organization at The Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers announced that the group raised $3,900 as part of the 3rd Annual Lobster Roll Lunch held on October 14. The funds from the event will be used to support the organization's annual Christmas Program that provides boxes of gifts and clothing to approximately 1,600 financially disadvantaged children throughout the state.
The funds from the event were generated in large part by a donation from Cozy Harbor Seafood in Portland of 100 pounds of lobster meat. Other local businesses such as Hannaford and Shaw's provided supplies as well.
As part of the fundraiser, volunteers woke up as early as 5 a.m. on the day of the event in order to help prepare over 400 lobster rolls to fill the orders from local schools, businesses and organizations in the area. The organization has doubled their output from the first year of the event in 2009. Each year, the event takes place in October to raise money to support the agency's Christmas Program in conjunction with Maine Lobster Month.
As part of the event, volunteers hand delivered the orders from Waterville to Augusta, including the largest order from the staff at the George J. Mitchell Elementary School in Waterville. Students helped deliver the lunches to their teachers and other staff.
"It think this is a great fundraiser for our staff to get a nice lunch with proceeds to benefit the Maine Children's Home's Christmas Program that supports many students in our school," said Barbara Jordan, assistant principal at George J. Mitchell Elementary School.
Each year, the Christmas Program at The Maine Children's Home distributes boxes of gifts and clothing to approximately 1,600 financially disadvantaged children throughout the state. It is the only program of its kind that provides new toys, books, games and new, warm clothing to boys and girls throughout Maine.
"We appreciate everything the Friends do to support The Maine Children's Home and the businesses that support our fundraising efforts, such as the George J. Mitchell Elementary School, Cozy Harbor and others. It is the spirit and effort of the Friends organization and local businesses that make the Christmas program as successful as it is," said Cristen Sawyer, development associate and director of the Christmas Program.
Since 1961, the Friends organization has created a closer relationship between The Maine Children's Home and the community by providing assistance to the agency in serving needy children and families through fundraising and volunteerism. To join the Friends organization, participate in upcoming events, or to learn more, contact Cristen Sawyer at (207) 872-0261.
Representatives of the Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers are available for interviews about the Lobster Roll fundraiser for the Christmas Program. To arrange, contact Greg Glynn at 207-623-4177.
Editor's Note: Click on the image above or here to access a downloadable version.
Pictured (left to right): Cristen Sawyer, director of the Christmas Program, Barbara Jordan, assistant principal at George J. Mitchell Elementary School and students Elle King, Ashley Harwood, Alan Brooker and Andrew Wolman.
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About The Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers
The Maine Children's Home, a full Hague-accredited adoption program, provides assistance to families hoping to adopt internationally or domestically. The Maine Children's Home, founded in 1899, gives children and Maine families hope for the future and a chance at a better life. In addition to the adoption program, the agency offers outpatient counseling, the Teen Parent School Program, The Children's Place early care and education center, a summer camp scholarship program, and a Christmas Program that provides clothing and toys to underprivileged Maine children. To learn more, visit www.mainechildrenshome.org .
