at annual Log A Load golf tournaments
COURTESY OF PROFESSIONAL LOGGING CONTRACTORS OF THE NORTHEAST
The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of the Northeast once again demonstrated the logging industry’s commitment to children’s health this summer, raising a combined total of more than $116,000 at its annual Log A Load for Kids golf tournaments in Maine.
On Friday, Aug. 22, the PLC hosted its seventh annual Southern Maine Log A Load for Kids Golf Tournament at Lake Kezar Country Club in Lovell, raising a record-breaking $55,211 for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (BBCH) in Portland. Just weeks later, on Friday, Sept. 12, the organization held its 29th annual Northern Maine Log A Load for Kids Golf Tournament at JaTo Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, where another $60,982 was raised for Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.
Both hospitals are Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Together, the tournaments drew more than 80 teams, both selling out well in advance. The funds raised will support research and training, purchase specialized medical equipment, pay for uncompensated care, and benefit the critical work of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and pediatric programs.
At the southern tournament, PLC Executive Director Dana Doran announced the record fundraising total alongside Jacob, a young cancer survivor, and McKenzie, a survivor of infantile Pompe disease, both former Champion Children for BBCH.
“That’s almost $8,000 more than last year,” Doran told participants. “On behalf of kids like Jacob and McKenzie who are here today and all the other kids you serve, thank you so very much for coming today. We will see you next year on August 28!”
In Lincoln, under sunny skies at JaTo Highlands, Doran praised the generosity of participants and sponsors when announcing the Northern Maine total. “This is a fantastic number, we couldn’t be happier,” he said. “I know many of you have an experience with the hospital with a child, grandchild, niece or nephew, someone in your lives who has been impacted, and that’s why we do this. Thank you so very much and we will see you at the tournament again next year.”
The Lincoln event also included a visit from Miracle II, a new, donor-funded, state-of-the-art ambulance specially designed to transport premature babies and critically ill newborns. The ambulance is now part of Northern Light’s emergency fleet, ensuring the safe transfer of infants to the only Level III NICU north of Portland. That unit provides care for more than 450 newborns each year, about 150 of whom require specialized transport from community hospitals.
Since 1996, the PLC has partnered with the Northern Light Health Foundation (formerly Eastern Maine Health Systems Foundation) on the Log A Load fundraising effort. In 2019, BBCH joined the effort, further expanding its impact, and in 2024, the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital became a partner. UVM serves as a regional referral center for critically ill or injured pediatric patients, housing a Level III NICU, a pediatric intensive care unit, and a wide range of pediatric specialties.
Thank you to the sponsors, supporters, and players who made the tournaments a success!
