The Team Augusta Elks Lodge No. 964 recently raised $7,100 for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. More than 200 lodges participated, raising more than $45,500. Front from left are Barb Thompson; Lina Michaud, past exalted ruler; Tina Walker, Glenn Stevens, Steve Grover and Linda Grover. Back from left are Wayne Cotterly, Grand Lodge trustee; Kathleen Cotterly, past district deputy grand exalted ruler; Chaz Gorman, Bernard “Bones” Lint, Robin Lint and Mike “Shu” Michaud, past exalted ruler. Missing from picture are Andy Mann, Tanya Mann, David Hassen and Maria Hassen. Submitted photo

The second annual Maine Children’s Cancer Program/FORKS weekend, which ran Aug. 25-28, raised more than $45,500 for MCCP.

More than 200 Elks participated, representing 17 lodges, according to a news release from Lina Michaud of Augusta Lodge No. 964.

Last year, organizers Mike and Lina Michaud, past exalted rulers of the lodge, came up with the idea to host a camping weekend in Western Maine to support MCCP, its major state project.

With just over 130 Elks traveling across Maine to join in, the group collectively raised just over $18,500, with 12 out of the 20 lodges on board. The festivities included a pig roast/chicken barbecue, corn hole tournaments, wine and cheese tasting, karaoke, dancing, silent auctions/raffles and meals planned by the various lodges, according to a news release from Lina Michaud of the Augusta Lodge #964.

After a successful first year, organizers met with the Maine Elks Association State cancer program chairperson Mike Desjardins to make it an annual event.

Plans are already in motion for the third annual event, scheduled for Aug. 24-27.

Check out other upcoming area events!