‘Rally on the Roof’ raises $20,000

‘Rally on the Roof’ raises $20,000

Staff photo/Jon Gulliver

    MUG SHOT — Tony Phillips of Coca Cola Bottling holds a sign asking for bail money up to the TAMC webcam during the Rally on the Roof fundraiser. The event was considered a huge success with roughly $20,000 raised at TAMC to benefit Aroostook Cancer Care Services and the upcoming Aroostook County Relay for Life.

    PRESQUE ISLE — A unique first time fundraiser held on the roof of The Aroostook Medical Center’s A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital in Presque Isle raised an impressive $20,000 to benefit Aroostook Cancer Care Services and the upcoming Aroostook County Relay for Life.
    TAMC and the three Cumulus Broadcasting radio tations in Aroostook County, WQHR-FM 96.1 – Q96.1, WBPW-FM 96.9 – BIG Country 97, and WOZI-FM 101.9 – 102 FM The Rock, teamed up to host “Rally on the Roof” on May 17.  The event included “appearances” on the roof by more than 40 noted County residents and TAMC employees and a 24-hour stint for two of the event organizers. 
    Camping out on the roof above the Giberson Day Surgery Unit for the full 24-hours were Jason Parent, director of advancement for TAMC and Lisa Miles, general manager for Cumulus Broadcasting in Presque Isle. The two led broadcasts on the radio through the day and following morning, encouraging listeners to donate and providing updates to the community on their progress. Viewers also monitored progress on the roof, including the frosty overnight the two spent, via a live webcast of the roof rally on the TAMC website.
    Prior to the chilly night’s rest, Parent and Miles were joined on the roof throughout the day by “detainees” from throughout central Aroostook.  The individuals were sent to the roof to earn their “bail” after co-workers and friends paid to have a “rooftop warrant” issued for their “arrest.”
    After the $150 warrant was paid, the “Rally on the Roof” paddy wagon (a Crown Ambulance) was dispatched to pick up the accused. When the arrested party arrived at the A.R. Gould Hospital they went before a mock court, presided over by TAMC advancement specialist Bobbie-Jo Caron, who subsequently sentenced the individuals to serve time on the roof. While on the roof, it was each person’s responsibility to raise their bail by calling friends and family to work their way off.
    “Despite the blustery conditions, we had a great time,” said Miles. “Knowing that this was for such a great cause certainly made it worth the extra effort. As is typically the case, the Aroostook County community came through to help their friends and neighbors in need. It was wonderful to see the community come together and ‘rally on the roof’ to support Aroostook Cancer Care Services at TAMC and the organization’s efforts to assist in the upcoming Relay for Life. Our radio stations were so pleased to partner with TAMC on this project and are looking forward to another successful event next year!”
    Detainees summoned to serve time on the roof included representatives for numerous County businesses including TAMC, Maine Public Service, Burrelles/Luce, TD Bank, Katahdin Trust Company, The County Federal Credit Union, NorState Federal Credit Union, Tempo Employment Services, ACAP, MMG Insurance, Northeast Publishing/The Star-Herald, RE/Max Central, Coca-Cola Bottling, Daigle Oil Company, Thompson-Hamel, LLC., Presque Isle Police Department, Wilder’s Jewelry Store and I-Care Pharmacy.
    Those “arrested” found blustery winds, but otherwise comfortable conditions on the roof as they used their mobile phones to call for help to raise their bail. Lowe’s of Presque Isle sponsored the rooftop deck, complete with patio furniture and a donated portable toilet courtesy of Tompkins Plumbing and Heating, also of Presque Isle.
    “The best part of doing what we did is the knowledge that hundreds of County residents who are faced with the difficult diagnosis that they have cancer will be the direct beneficiaries,” said Parent. “Aroostook Cancer Care is a vitally important service TAMC provides to the region. Without it, area residents would have to travel to Bangor to get the same comprehensive care. Through the funds raised by the ‘Rally on the Roof’ TAMC will be able to purchase needed equipment and items to help us provide even better care and comfort our patients at a very vulnerable time.”
    The Rally on the Roof website, www.tamc.org/rooftop, will remain active through May 25 for persons interested in making a donation or processing their bail payment. For more information on other ways to donate to TAMC Aroostook Cancer Care Services or other vital health services offered by TAMC, call the TAMC Charities office at 768-4858.