Myers to donate concert proceeds
to C.A.N.C.E.R.
By Kathy McCarty
DEBBIE MYERS will be performing Friday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at the grandstand in Presque Isle, with all proceeds of the concert going to C.A.N.C.E.R. to benefit area cancer victims and their families. For more information, call 762-6500.
PRESQUE ISLE — A fundraiser Friday night will serve two purposes — as kickoff for the Maine State Firefighters Federation Convention and as a benefit for Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery, better known as C.A.N.C.E.R.
“We had a concert by Debbie Myers offered to us as a fundraiser,” said Craig Green, C.A.N.C.E.R. treasurer.
Holding the event this weekend to coincide with scheduled firefighter activities came about by accident.
“I came over to tell Craig about the concert being offered to us. Grant Spinney, a Presque Isle firefighter and organizer of the upcoming MSFFC festivities was with Craig when I arrived,” said Sue Nickerson, C.A.N.C.E.R. president.
The three agreed Friday, Sept. 10, would be a perfect time to hold the fund-raising event, since so many people would already be in town for the convention. In addition to collecting funds for the organization, Spinney said a breast cancer pink firefighter helmet will also be raffled off at the concert, with proceeds to be used toward firefighter training and equipment.
“It was one of those things that wasn’t planned but just fell together,” said Nickerson.
The local group uses funds for such purposes as assisting cancer patients with travel costs and child care.
“We get requests for various reasons. Often a social worker’s done all they can but a bit more is needed. That’s where we come in, be it hotel accommodations, travel expenses, etc.,” said Green. “Often cancer patients have been known to give up treatment due to a lack of funding.”
“We’re there to help fill the gap, when they can’t get help from other sources,” added Nickerson.
Nickerson said she knows all too well how families are affected when a loved one is stricken with cancer, having lost her husband, Ed Nickerson, to the disease earlier this year.
“C.A.N.C.E.R. helped us with travel funds when Ed was going through treatment,” said Nickerson. “Just the idea there’re people out there who’ll come through — someone you can lean on — makes such a difference when you have to deal with this disease.”
Concert-goers will not only have an opportunity to hear an amazing performance by Debbie Myers, according to Green, but they’ll also earn a tax deduction for doing so.
“We’re a non-profit. Since all proceeds from the concert are being donated to our organization, the ticket price is a tax write-off,” said Green.
As if that isn’t enough of an incentive, Green said discounts are also available for businesses purchasing tickets.
“We’ll sell for a discounted rate to businesses interested in purchasing tickets for their employees,” said Green, noting some businesses have already done so.
Tickets are available from C.A.N.C.E.R. officials or can be purchased at locations such as Netherland Office Products in Presque Isle, the Mapleton Town Office, Goodhue’s in Fort Fairfield, New York Life Insurance office in Presque Isle or Goin’ Postal in Presque Isle.
“We want to get across that this is more than just a concert. This is a way for us to raise funds to help people right here in Aroostook County. There are a lot of cancer incidents each year here,” said Nickerson.
Green explained that the organization’s budget is in excess of $15,000 each year.
“That money stays here in central Aroostook County,” he said.
To continue to serve those in need, money needs to be raised on a regular basis.
“We need to raise as much money as possible so we can continue to provide services to those affected by cancer. We hope local people will support us,” said Nickerson.
Green said if you haven’t heard Myers perform, now’s your chance.
“She’s excellent. If you haven’t done so before, you should definitely come hear her,” Green said.
“Debbie’s very generous to do this. She’d be downstate performing the next day. She lives in Chelsea, Maine, but is originally from Canada. She’s a highly-recognized artist in Canada — well-respected with a big Canadian following,” said Nickerson.
The performance will be in front of the grandstand at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and children under 5 get in free.
“Children’s tickets will are only available at the fairgrounds,” noted Nickerson.
Nickerson wished to thank the Northern Maine Fair Association for providing the location and the lighting for the concert.
“The NMFA have been a big help. Ed was on the board and served as past president. They’ve been very supportive of our organization,” said Nickerson.
Green said it’s a community effort.
“Our members help the Fair Association throughout the year. We all work together as a community,” he said.
Nickerson said the concert is a win-win for all involved.
“It’s a good opportunity for those who’ve been helped by C.A.N.C.E.R. to give back — a chance to enjoy a great performance by Debbie Myers while giving back to those in need,” said Nickerson.
Tickets are still available. For more information, contact 762-6500.
