Mapleton school raises $10,000 for local charity

5 years ago

On Thursday, June 6, the Mapleton Elementary School announced the results of the student-teacher annual penny drive to benefit Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery (C-A-N-C-E-R).  

The school has conducted the drive for 10 years.  Teachers had been collecting donations to sponsor a hole at C-A-N-C-E-R’s annual charity golf scramble.  Then the idea of incorporating student participation in raising funds for the organization was put forward, and the Mapleton Parent Organization wholeheartedly supported the idea.  

Over the years, the penny drive raised a few hundred dollars and then $1,000. In 2018 that goal was exceeded, so the group set this year’s goal at $2,000.  In order to build excitement among the students, there was added a fun morning run called the “The Mapleton Mile,” so students could combine giving to charity with exercise.  Barry and Kim Wright laid out the run on the school grounds.

Principal Dan Duprey , the school staff, Mrs. Vigue and the MPO collaborated for a successful penny drive and fun run, which led to smiles and laughter.

Students received T-shirts symbolizing their efforts to help he C-A-N-C-E-R organization and show school spirit. The MPO, along with Huber Engineered Woods and Mapleton Oil, sponsored the student and staff T-shirts.  

Duprey expressed his thanks for a successful day, thanking Jaime Guerrette and Brian Mosher from Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital who brought the Fit & Fun starting/finishing line and played enjoyable music for all.

Early on in the drive, donations quickly reached the $1,000 and $2,000 levels. The amount raised was not shared until Thursday morning, June 6, when C-A-N-C-E-R board members Alexis Madore, Sue Nickerson, Susan Black and Valerie Black were present to receive the donation.

Everyone was blown away when Duprey announced the total amount raised totaled more than $9,000. Better news came when the afternoon preK-K students arrived, and their contributions brought the total to $10,000.

All of the funds raised will be used to help meet a variety of additional costs of patients with cancer who are going through treatment.

Duprey said at the conclusion of the presentation, “You have to remember that as a small school you can do powerful things and great things.  I am very proud of you.”

Mapleton Daze

Several special events have been announced for Mapleton Daze that starts on Wednesday June 26.  

Friday, June 28 — Mapleton Daze host sponsors, the Mapleton Lions Club, will have two fundraising dinners.  The annual Lions Club Chicken Bar-B-Q will be held on Friday, June 28, starting at 5 p.m. The Mapleton United Methodist Women will feature their selections of homemade pies.  To make dessert complete, the Mapleton Baptist Church Youth Group will have a variety of homemade ice cream.

Saturday, June 29 — The Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill churches will hold their second free breakfast sandwich event. Everyone is invited to come down to the Mapleton Post Office parking lot for free breakfast sandwiches starting at 7 a.m. and ending just prior to the start of the parade.  They will have free drawings and fun stuff for the kids. The breakfast is a totally free event with no donations accepted or allowed. Those who wish, however, may donate non-perishable food items for the Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill Food Cupboard, located at the town office.  

Starting at 10 a.m., the Mapleton Historical Society will hold its annual homemade pie and ice cream social at the Haystack Historical Museum.  Then on Saturday evening, the Lions will hold a fundraising baked ham and bean dinner. Everyone is invited.

The Mapleton Daze Committee will host their first variety show at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, at the Lions Club.  Dancers, singers, comedy acts, musicians, jugglers and more are invited to participate. If interested, email either lynnelle.foster@maine.edu or laurie.boucher@maine.edu for an application.

Sunday, June 30 — Additionally, the Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill churches invite folks to enjoy an evening of inspiration and fun for all ages featuring desserts and the magic of Brad Brown, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. at the Lions Hall.  Brown is an internationally known Christian magician who has a heart for ministry. His show combines his side-splitting comedy and mind-blowing magic to engage and entertain audiences while clearly presenting gospel truth. The show is free.  

Summer Recreation

The Mapleton Recreation Department has several recreation programs scheduled for the summer.  A special youth program is being offered called “Microwave Master Chef “ for ages 9-16. The registration deadline is June 14.

Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.