By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — Bling is back for another year of celebrating cancer survivors while raising money for the non-profit C.A.N.C.E.R and living up to its reputation of being the shiniest, fan-packed basketball game in Limestone.
The event kicks off at 5:30 with the Limestone/MSSM varsity girls basketball game and the varsity boys follow at 7 p.m., but a truly Blingy surprise will be revealed between games.
“It’s as Bling as it gets,” said event organizer Jennifer Poitras.
Last year, Limestone’s gymnasium was packed with over 700 individuals who attended to celebrate Aroostook’s cancer survivors and enjoy a good game of basketball.
Keeping with the high-spirited nature of last year’s event, there will again be plenty of cheering accessories — bling necklaces, bling bells and pompoms — but event organizers are hoping that participants will bring their Bling from last year to ensure that there’s enough cheering paraphernalia to make the gym sparkle.
This year’s festivities include a special guest announcer — J.R. Mitchell, formerly of Hot Country 97 — the posting of colors by the Loring Defenders of the Loring Job Corps Center, the survivor celebration during halftime of the boys’ game and a special baton routine by members of the Northstar Twirlers during halftime of the girls game.
“This is the place to be on Dec. 14th,” Poitras said.
Celebrating survivors has never looked so good, as the Bling event at the Limestone Community School is donning a new hue this year with fashionable black T-shirts that makes the 2011 Bling graphic really pop — even Poitras agrees that the T-shirts are a lot “cooler” this year.
All proceeds from T-shirt sales will be donated to C.A.N.C.E.R (Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery) — a group aimed at helping local people who are undergoing cancer treatment.
While sizes are limited, as sales have been increased, purchasing a Bling T-shirt automatically enters the recipient into the 50/50 raffle, in which they can win a 40-inch LED television or a one-year fitness center membership for the Caribou Inn and Convention Center or the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center.
Also included with the purchase of a T-shirt is a bling wristband and cancer survivors have the option of taking their T-shirt down to Boulevard Graphix in Limestone to have a gold ribbon graphic affixed to their sleeve.
Last year’s event drew all eyes to Limestone and raised almost $5,000; this year, local businesses have again stepped up to help raise funds for people in The County undergoing cancer treatments — large sponsors include the Caribou and Presque Isle Convention Centers, Trombley Construction, Boulevard Graphix, Maine Visalus, Northern Prosthetics, C.S. Management, Pelletier Properties, the Maine Military Authority Walk Team and Al-Bear’s Restaurant — even sponsorship from as far away as Lewiston.
“[Bling] has definitely spread its wings, and word is getting out there,” Poitras said.
Festivities kick off tonight at 5:30 at the Limestone Community School, as the Limestone Eagles basketball teams will be facing off against the Easton Bears — bring your bling to celebrate (and support) a survivor.
