Bush family helps raise record amount for Mercy Hospital’s Gary’s House

Portsmouth Herald
·2 min read
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PORTLAND — Northern Light Mercy Hospital recently announced that more than $300,000 was raised at the two-day 2023 Bush Family Gala and Golf Classic to benefit Gary’s House, breaking a fundraising record for the annual event held in Kennebunkport each June.

This year’s event at the Nonantum Resort celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Gary’s House, a Mercy Hospital program that provides affordable accommodations for friends and family of loved ones receiving medical care in southern Maine. The hospitality home is named in honor of Gary Pike, a young Kennebunk man who lost his battle to cancer in 1991. During his treatments, Gary saw firsthand the financial hardship and stress families experience while staying away from home. His dream of offering accommodations for families in need became a reality in 1998.

President George W. Bush with participants of the 2023 Bush Family Gala and Golf Classic.
President George W. Bush with participants of the 2023 Bush Family Gala and Golf Classic.

“We’re grateful to the remarkable generosity of the Bush family and all of the dedicated donors for their commitment to helping the hundreds of families who rely on Gary’s House every year,” said Charlie Therrien, president of Mercy Hospital. “The Bush Family Gala and Golf Classic has raised millions for Gary’s House and made a big difference in the lives of so many who need a place to stay when their loved is receiving medical care in greater Portland. Mercy couldn’t provide this program without their help.”

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The annual event is named in honor of longtime Gary’s House supporters, President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush who each served as event chairs along with several generations of the Bush family. This year’s honorary co-chairs were Bush grandchildren, Marshall Bush and Sam Bush LeBlond, who were joined at the tournament by President George W. Bush, former First Lady Laura Bush, and Doro Bush Koch.

“The energy and compassion of our supporters is remarkable,” said Debra Lavoie, executive director of Gary’s House, who was thrilled with this year’s event. “Gary’s House has touched hearts all over the country. We look forward to helping families for another 25 years.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Bush family helps raise record amount for Mercy Hospital’s Gary’s House