Rally on the Roof
raises more than $25,000
Photo courtesy of TAMC
THE GREEN LANTERN called in a special favor to his grandmother, Gloria Clair, last Thursday after being sentenced as part of the Rally on the Roof fund-raising event. Connor Savage was picked up at Presque Isle High School and sent to jail for “speaking too loudly” according to his arrestor. Savage was among the more than 45 arrestees who participated in the second annual event.
Photos courtesy of TAMC
DR. REBECCA AYALA was sent to the roof by a co-worker during Thursday’s Rally on the Roof. Although it was her day off, she enjoyed her sentencing as it was just another way this local pediatrician could support the area children.
EVEN BATMAN needs to place a call for help from time to time. Pictured here in his superhero attire, Jason Parent, director of advancement at TAMC, co-led the Rally on the Roof fundraiser with partner-in-crime, Lisa “Batgirl” Miles, general manager of Townsquare Media in Presque Isle.
PRESQUE ISLE — Organizers of Rally on the Roof II are hailing the 2013 edition of the unique fundraiser a huge success. With pledged funds and donations still coming in, more than $25,000 was raised by detainees on the roof above the Giberson Day Surgery Unit at TAMC’s A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital last Thursday.
TAMC and the three Townsquare Media radio stations in Aroostook County again partnered for the event. Despite a weather-related setback which made conditions on the roof unsafe for participants and cut the 24-hour fundraiser to just 11 hours, more money was raised this year than during the first Rally.
“Once again the people of The County came through and showed that generous, caring spirit that makes this such a special place to live,” said Lisa Miles, general manager of Townsquare Media in Presque Isle. “Our radio stations are so pleased to partner with TAMC on this project to raise awareness and funds for three great causes. We certainly have found a successful way to put the ‘fun’ in fundraiser.”
As in 2012, proceeds from Rally on the Roof were designated to the Aroostook County Relay for Life event and TAMC’s Aroostook Cancer Care services. In addition, children’s health care services at the hospital will receive proceeds from the funds raised this year.
Miles and Jason Parent, TAMC director of advancement, led the rooftop reception and radio broadcasts throughout the day decked out as Batgirl and Batman to go with this year’s theme “superheroes.” Highlights of the day’s events were heard on WQHR-FM – Q96.1, WBPW-FM – BIG Country 96.9 and WOZI-FM – 101.9 The Rock. Progress was also tracked by as many as 2,000 viewers on the official website, rallyontheroof.com, which featured a live webcast of the activity on the roof and later in the Pinkham entrance area inside the hospital.
More than 45 individuals were “arrested,” arraigned in a mock court hearing, and spent time on the roof raising “bail” money to support the special causes.
Funds raised through the warrants will be dedicated to the Aroostook County Relay for Life effort. Detainees got to decide whether they raised their bail to support TAMC’s Aroostook Cancer Care or children’s health care. Final tallies for the three causes will be determined once all donations are in.
“The folks we welcomed onto the roof and later held inside the hospital were all such good sports,” said Parent. “The best part is the knowledge that hundreds of county residents, who are at their most vulnerable, will directly benefit from these efforts. TAMC’s Aroostook Cancer Care and the services we offer our youngest patients are critically needed in our community. Through the funds raised, TAMC will be able to purchase needed equipment and items to help us provide even better care and comfort.”
Earlier in the day, when the weather held, detainees found more comfortable temperatures than during the 2012 event.
“Our unique fundraiser has really caught on in a big way,” said TAMC’s Bobbie-Jo Caron, lead event organizer. “It is very gratifying to see the generosity of people and businesses throughout Aroostook County support the project and the wonderful causes. We could not do it without the partnership of the three Townsquare Media radio stations and the many sponsors and friends who ‘answer the call’ and help in many ways.”
Caron appreciated the number of area businesses that donated funds and in-kind products and services.
The Rally on the Roof website 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, call the TAMC Communication and Development Office at 768-4858.
