PLC raises record $81,105 at 20th Annual Log A Load for Maine Kids Golf Tournament Sept. 16
LINCOLN – The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of Maine raised a record $81,105 at the 20th Annual Log A Load for Maine Kids Golf Tournament Friday, Sept. 16th at JATO Highlands Golf Course.
The tournament, which benefits Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals in Maine, exceeded the previous all-time record of $65,875 set in 2015.
Combined with funds raised at the PLC’s annual meeting, the tournament’s success means PLC has raised more than $117,000 for CMN hospitals in 2016, dramatically exceeding its goal of $100,000 for the year.
“We continue to be astounded by the generosity of those who make this tournament a success every year,” Dana Doran, Executive Director of the PLC, said. “After 20 years of raising money to support the Log-A-Load for Kids program, and during what is arguably the most challenging time for loggers in the history of their occupation, this result and the funds raised at our annual meeting truly shows how strong compassion for Maine kids is throughout the logging and forest products industry no matter what challenges they are faced with.”
The PLC has been the sponsor of the Log A Load program in Maine since 1996, when the golf tournament began. The PLC and the Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems (EMHS) Foundation have raised more than $800,000 since 1996 for children in Maine. Donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.
Additional sponsors for the tournament included American Forest Management (AFM); Nortrax/John Deere; BBC Land, LLC; and American Loggers Insurance Product 18.
Participants in the tournament enjoyed spectacular weather conditions at the scenic golf course, which includes views of Mt. Katahdin. The event concluded with a barbecue and awards ceremony.
Tickets to the 2016 tournament sold out and many individuals and organizations donated items, services, and gift certificates for the Log A Load for Kids auction and a raffle.
The South Carolina Forestry Association started the Log A Load for Kids program in 1988. Originally, the concept was for loggers, wood-supplying businesses, and other industry supporters in various states including Maine to donate the value of a load of logs to their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Today, Log A Load funds impact more than 60 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across North America. Hospitals utilize the funds based on what they need the most. Funds are often used to purchase lifesaving equipment, support therapy programs and provide charitable care.
Nationally, Log A Load for Kids has raised more than $46 million dollars over the last 28 years, and the program is a national leader in CMN fundraising. For more information, please visit www.logaload.org.