Oldies Dance ticket holders donate to Ronald McDonald House

By Ed Pierce

COVID-19 Stay at Home orders prevented organizers from hosting the sold-out 18^th Rock n’ Roll Oldies Dance at the Eagle’s Hall in Biddeford this spring, but it couldn’t halt the generous spirit of the popular dance’s ticket holders.

More than 300 tickets were sold for $10 each in five days prior to the March 21 dance date, but according to Bruce Martin, Oldies Dance Group organizer, 271 ticket holders requested that their ticket costs be donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

“With all the people and businesses donating, the total amount raised and donated to Ronald McDonald House now stands at $70,835,” Martin said. “This spring’s dance netted $4,635 without us even holding the dance.”

Martin said although many participants were disappointed that the event was not held, their generosity was inspirational.

“I’ve never felt so close to people in my life,” Martin said. “It restores my faith in people’s warm heart and their concern for the Ronald McDonald House.”

Conducted twice each year in March and October, the dance has become the largest community fundraising effort for Ronald McDonald House of Portland, which provides comfort for the families of pediatric patients and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. It provides access to quality health care and enables family centered care ensuring families are fully supported and actively involved in their child’s care.

Martin said that the Oldies Dance Committee would like to thank the following businesses who donated to the 18^th Rock n’ Roll Oldies Dance including Southern Maine Specialties, Inc.; 

Saco/Biddeford Savings Institution; Black Bear Promotions Inc.; Coastal Tech Heating; Superior Electric Inc.; Tractor Supply; Lowe’s; NAPA Shop Works; Beth Martin; Beachology Maine Gifts; Gorham Sand & Gravel; Bill Dodge; Get Fired Up; Old Orchard Beach Campground; Old Orchard Beach Edgewater

Motel; Champagne Energy; Neil Weinstein; Peter Barricelli; and Joe

Loughren.

“All of us at the Oldies Dance Committee would especially like to thank the wonderful 271 ticket holders with big hearts who generously donated their ticket costs to the Ronald McDonald House,” Martin said.

The 19^th Rock n’ Roll Oldies Dance is scheduled to be held from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, October 10 at the Eagles Hall in Biddeford. Tickets are $10 and sell out quickly.

Call 284-4692 for more information and to purchase tickets. All Windham and Raymond residents are encouraged to join in on the fun.