Bush family charity golf tourney raises record $440,000
Photo / Courtesy, Northern Light Mercy Hospital
Former U.S. President George W. Bush, clad in a "41" cap in honor of his late father, chats with golfers on the green at the Bush Family Classic charity tournament in Kennebunkport.
This year’s Bush Family Classic charity golf tournament in Kennebunkport raised a record $440,000 for Gary's House, a program of Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland. Former President George W. Bush, whose family has long owned a summer estate at Walker's Point, attended the Tuesday event.
Gary’s House, at 97 State St. in Portland’s West End neighborhood, provides free accommodations for friends and family of individuals receiving medical care in Greater Portland. Around 500 people stay there every year.
First held in 1998, the tournament took place this year at Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport, after a gala Monday night at the Nonantum Resort that drew 250 people.
Some 150 golfers participated in this year's tournament, playing in teams of five with a pro athlete on each team.
“We’re thankful for the outstanding commitment of the Bush family and our inspiring donors and volunteers who helped raise a record amount for our Gary’s House families in need,” said Charlie Therrien, president of Mercy Hospital.
“Since its founding by President George H.W. Bush and others, the Bush Family Classic has raised millions and made life easier for the thousands of families who needed Gary’s House during a difficult time in their lives.”
Gary’s House is named in honor of Gary Pike, a Kennebunk teen who died of cancer in 1991.
During his treatments, Pike 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.
Gary’s House relies completely on private funding to provide free accommodations. The Bush Family Classic is the largest fundraiser for the hospitality program.
The Bush Family Classic is named in honor of the late President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, who were longtime supporters of Gary's House and have each served as event chairs along with family members.
This year's honorary co-chairs were Marshall Bush, Sam Bush LeBlond and Robert Koch.
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