Dreams for Maine Kids makes 1st wish come true

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Last December, a new nonprofit organization headed by Bangor Daily News colleague Jack Gifford was formed to grant wishes of children ages 5 to 15 with life-threatening illnesses.

The goal of Dreams for Maine Kids was to complete its first wish this year, and that goal has been met.

Jack has been fairly walking on air since the organization fulfilled the wish of 12-year-old Gracie Earle, who lives at the Southridge Rehabilitation and Living Center in Biddeford.

Gracie has a degenerative spinal disorder that forces her to spend her days lying on her side. But it doesn’t stop her from being busy and making others smile.

This young artist makes candlestick holders from teacups that she covers with beadwork.

Referred to Dreams for Maine Kids by the Jason Program of Kennebunk, Gracie’s need was for a computer, paint supplies and equipment to help her design and decorate those cups, and to create other crafts and artwork.

It took some long hours on the road and a lot of shopping to bring this wish together, but Gifford and wish coordinator Bobbi Spencer of Kenduskeag agree it was time very well spent.

“I’m thrilled to have completed this wish,” Spencer said. “It was well worth it. I wish I had a tenth of her talent. I am amazed at what this child can do, given her physical condition. But her mental attitude is so strong. She is upbeat and positive, already working on her Christmas presents. In fact, she thought it was great we brought these things to her because it means she can get her presents done easier and quicker.”

In addition to providing her “art equipment in the form of acrylics, oils and supplies that go with that, and mediums for her to produce her artwork on,” Spencer said, “we then went back down and provided her with a computer that is geared toward her needs, with special adaptive technology.”

Sears, Roebuck and Co. played a major role in completing that part of the wish, Spencer pointed out.

“I purchased the computer from them, and they donated all the accessories,” she said of the donation made with the help of that department’s manager, Steve Carey.

Now that the first wish has been granted, Dreams for Maine Kids is ready, willing and eager to grant another and, this time, members hope they will hear from someone in our part of the state who would like a wish granted.

“We’re just waiting for the requests,” Spencer said. “Referrals can be made by anyone. And because we are a small organization, we have a little leeway with the age requirement. Our only stipulation is the need be for a child.”

Working with Gifford and Spencer are organization secretary Irwin Singer and treasurer Linda Lawrence, both of Bangor. Marcia Barker of Bucksport is the other wish coordinator.

“We’re out there, speaking to various organizations, at noontime, telling them about our program and waiting to hear from someone,” Spencer sad.

If you know of someone you believe this organization can help, please do not hesitate to call. Spencer and Barker are waiting to hear from you.

You can reach Spencer at 884-8274 or Barker at 469-3101.

I was saddened to learn of the death of Mary “Whit” McEvoy of Bangor, whom I have known for more than 30 years.

Whit died at her home last week at the age of 84.

A former neighbor and longtime friend, Whit was a powerful mentor for a young woman interested in the politics of her time.

I first met Whit when I joined the League of Women Voters in Orono before moving to Bangor in 1969. At that time, she was a major force in that organization, locally and statewide.

I remember the move to Bangor was made much easier for me, because of Whit.

She called and got me involved in the activities of my new community before I even had time to unpack and arrange my kitchen.

Whit never let the grass grow under anyone’s feet, unless it was what she considered the proper grass for growing there!

I well recall committee meetings in her spacious kitchen in the shadow of the Standpipe, and what a tough taskmaster she was as we tried to make a difference in the community and the state we so loved.

I will always remember Whit with pursed lips and cocked head, notes in hand, about to make a point with absolute deliberation, determination and commitment but then, as always, finishing off her comments with a smile so contagious you couldn’t help but like what she said, even if you didn’t agree with it!

She was a devoted wife and mother who believed that being a good citizen meant being an active one.

Whit helped shaped what we Mainers have become today, although not many people may know that, because she cared deeply about not only our physical environment, but our social and economic environment as well.

She also helped inspire a generation of informed citizens, of both genders, who continue to serve their community, their state and their nation in a variety of ways.

I am grateful for her guidance, for her inspiration, and for extending a hand of friendship and encouragement to all whose good fortune it was to cross her path.

I will miss her.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.