tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014750555739041092024-02-19T07:29:51.235-05:00The Eleanor Clare Paye Charitable FundNí bheidh mo leithéid arís annUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-83844268165255796502015-12-12T15:35:00.001-05:002015-12-12T16:02:16.078-05:00Our work in 2015. And Online Donations!It has been another good year for the Fund. Since our beginnings, we have distributed almost $25,000 to date to various organizations and charitable events. This, of course, would be impossible without the good will and generosity of all of you. So thank you.
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Here is what we have been able to do in 2015:
<ul>
<li>Donated $207.50 to the Fairfield School Literacy Program in Saco. Fairfield Elementary was where Elle attended kindergarten.
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<li>Donated $250.00 to the CK Burns PTO for Performing Arts.
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<li>Gave out $1,200.00 in scholarships for college-bound students at the Steppin Out Dance Center in Saco. We have given out these scholarships every year since we started. Steppin Out was where Elle took dance classes and it was her favorite activity.
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<li>Donated $150.00 to Saco Little League.
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<li>Sponsored the Elle Dash at the Hugs From Haley 5K. We have worked closely with Hugs from Haley for years and they were amazingly supportive of Elle during her illness. You can learn more about them at <a href="http://hugsfromhayley.com/" target=blank>hugsfromhayley.com/</a>. They are a wonderful charity and deserving of any support you can give them.
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<li>Donated $1,000.00 to the Maine Children's Cancer Program.
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<li>Donated $1,000.00 to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital.
</li></ul>
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Again, that brings our total to almost $25,000 in total distributions since we began. And now it is even easier to help the Fund continue it's work.
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We have (finally!) activated online donations. If you go to <a href="http://www.powerofelle.org/" target=blank>powerofelle.org</a> you will see our brand-new Donate button at the top of the page. It can be a one-time donation or a recurring monthly donation if you so choose.
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If you are looking to donate to a charity this holiday season, please consider the Power of Elle. All the money you send us goes right back out into the community.
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Have a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to doing even more in 2016!
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-46532410785965323102015-03-07T11:08:00.000-05:002015-03-07T11:17:09.473-05:00MCCP Donation / Frozen FundraiserAt the end of 2014 and beginning of 2015, two events took place that encapsulate what the Fund tries to accomplish and how it is able to do so.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVJ9Q-hFjQe-3B1-sxlHbjpSEFEMuDwWRqiOxHabOma3xjnmURYKRXCV3C4cU31JrN0th14mfjk2GLbw0lZLdHoZG1prGo9BjVTVt5cakN82QsBzFCAyDxCeYo4cPyYPR8KmqkoR-udfX/s1600/MCCP+donation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVJ9Q-hFjQe-3B1-sxlHbjpSEFEMuDwWRqiOxHabOma3xjnmURYKRXCV3C4cU31JrN0th14mfjk2GLbw0lZLdHoZG1prGo9BjVTVt5cakN82QsBzFCAyDxCeYo4cPyYPR8KmqkoR-udfX/s320/MCCP+donation.jpg" /></a></div>At the end of December in 2014, the Fund made it's annual donation to the Maine Children's Cancer Program. This is where Elle received her treatment. Their hard work and dedication is why Elle was able to do the things she wanted to do and have a full life while fighting cancer. It is one of our two annual donations at this time (the other goes to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Portland). What made this donation special is that it marked the Fund passing $20,000 in total donations back to the community since our founding. This is a big milestone for us. Whether it is the annual donations to MCCP and BBCH, funding the construction of a new playground or giving out scholarships, the goal of this Fund has always been to keep Elle's memory alive and benefit the children in the surrounding community as best we can.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyvYUQWoij_fgBLA6Vnv4GsXgO-d69BvrlZnS3uttBULXlERLroVcXngdKobsSJJRud9QnzglSlKEyM0zn7eDp0OcDp_DZLWeUm7s13qQtm8MyUWQHFr2D1oWmQtAAV3avrMlpG26woF3/s1600/olaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyvYUQWoij_fgBLA6Vnv4GsXgO-d69BvrlZnS3uttBULXlERLroVcXngdKobsSJJRud9QnzglSlKEyM0zn7eDp0OcDp_DZLWeUm7s13qQtm8MyUWQHFr2D1oWmQtAAV3avrMlpG26woF3/s320/olaf.jpg" /></a></div>The reason we are able to do what we do is because of the generosity and unflagging dedication of the people in our community. On January 10, 2015, we held an event called Ellie's Frozen Birthday Party. Elle would have been celebrating her 10th birthday on that day. And she undoubtedly would have wanted a Frozen theme so it fit together perfectly. Thanks to the efforts of so many people, led by Jen Skinsacos and Sandy Mekonis, it was an amazing success and raised over $1700 for the Fund.
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That $1700 will all go back into the community in one form or another. That one day alone will fund our donation to BBCH. It will allow us to give out scholarships, or fund a school program. Those events are what makes what we do possible. And we can never be grateful enough for the love this community shows for Elle every single day.
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You can also see a report on the Frozen party by Channel 8 <a href="http://www.wmtw.com/news/power-of-elle-raises-money-in-girls-memory/30652476" target="blank">here</a> as well as <a href="http://nadraphotography.pixieset.com/guestlogin/powerofellefrozenbirthdayparty/" target="blank">pictures from the event</a>.
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We are very excited as we move into 2015 (and hopefully warmer weather) and look forward helping our community even more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-8637304120426757012014-09-12T09:29:00.000-04:002014-09-12T09:29:16.752-04:00Latest UpdatesThe Fund once again handed out Bright Light Scholarships to college-bound students attending the Steppin' Out Dance Studio in Saco, ME. This is the dance school Elle attended for 3+ years and it is the fourth year of the scholarship program.
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The recipients this year were:
<ul>
<li>Danica Lamontagne</li>
<li>Shania Evangelista</li>
<li>Tara Levy</li>
<li>Sabryna Deshaies</li>
<li>Kayla Tremblay</li>
<li>Lauren Whitney</li>
<li>Kelsey Gamage</li>
</ul>
Congratulations to all the recipients. We look forward to our fifth year in 2015!
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On September 4, Jennifer Skinsacos held her fourth annual fundraiser for the Power of Elle at Ken's Place Seafood Restaurant in Scarborough. Jennifer takes all her tips from that evening along with any donations from patrons and generously gives that money to the Fund.
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This year, thanks to Jen, the generosity of her customers and the great support she gets from the owner of Ken's place, she was able to raise over $1400 for the Fund. This helps to pay for Fund donations like the Bright Light scholarships and the annual donations to MCCP and the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. We cannot thank Jen and Ken's Place enough for this very generous annual donation.
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It is this kindness that always reminds us that Elle's spirit lives on and continues to make a difference in our community.
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Also, please go read about the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hugsfromhayley">Hugs From Hayley Race for Maine Children's Cancer</a>. This is an annual event in Saco that raises a lot of money for MCCP, where Elle received such excellent care. The Fund sponsors the kids 1K Fun Run, which they have named the Elle Dash. It's a worthy cause run by wonderful people, so please check it out and help make this year's race the best one yet.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-90688895815347925082014-04-22T15:45:00.000-04:002014-04-22T15:45:11.080-04:00Donation to BBCH and a New FundraiserRecently, Elle's parents went to Maine Medical Center to present a check for $1,000 to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. This marks the second year the Fund has made this donation and we are to make it an annual event.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uliWH5kJmFhNOu61fi5Vi_iBqjeOi0EfgsmuK-Xmbn9hM-OtVD2av2sNychLR-E0niRVyRj_H8jAROqP6LrxY0OYMW6KFwyVGa-EbfMdJCBpFp6Yeshg9qX8DYyHphFPAA8DjgOotc2n/s1600/20140409_085347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uliWH5kJmFhNOu61fi5Vi_iBqjeOi0EfgsmuK-Xmbn9hM-OtVD2av2sNychLR-E0niRVyRj_H8jAROqP6LrxY0OYMW6KFwyVGa-EbfMdJCBpFp6Yeshg9qX8DYyHphFPAA8DjgOotc2n/s320/20140409_085347.jpg" /></a></div>
The wagon Elle's father is holding is the wagon Elle used to move from class to class at Fairfield Elementary School. After her passing, the school donated it - with a plaque remembering Elle - to BBCH for other children to use.
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In other news Heather Corbeil-Vire, a friend of the family, has set up a fundraiser with Tupperware.com. If you visit the link provided, 40% of any purchases you make at the site will go to The Power of Elle. So if you need more Tupperware to store your food in the fridge, <a href="http://order.tupperware.com/pls/htprod_www/!twx$eparty_ctl.p_guest_welcome?pv_eparty=747b4d07c67b444a1c93200df59de04e" target=blank>click here</a> to get it and help a great cause in the process.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-80523785670269721492014-04-07T18:27:00.000-04:002014-04-07T18:27:04.947-04:002013 A Successful Year for The Eleanor Clare Paye Charitable FundThanks to your generosity, the Fund was able to distribute over $6,000 in 2013 to various causes in and around Saco, ME. These included, but were not limited to:
<ul>
<li>$300 to sponsor the 1km kids fun run for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hugsfromhayley?directed_target_id=0" target="blank">Hugs From Hayley Race for Maine Children's Cancer</a>. It is known as "The Elle Dash".
<li>$407 to the Saco Parks and Recreation Department to help buy two bikes for their Saco Bikes for Kids program.
<li>$1,000 to the Maine Children's Cancer Program
<li>$1,000 for two iPads for classroom learning at Fairfield Elementary School in Saco, ME.
<li>$1,700 in Bright Light Scholarships for dancers at the Steppin Out Dance Studio in Saco, ME. This is where Elle took dance for 3+ years
</li></ul>
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2014 has already seen us donate money to Fairfield School and to a fundraiser to help a young girl in Saco get a service dog. Her name is Delia Binette. She has experienced major health issues in her young life and continues to be a ray of sunshine. A service dog would improve her life in numerous ways. You can read about Delia and her need for a service dog <a href="http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/delia-s-service-dog/143547" target=blank>here</a>. This is a very, very worthy cause and we encourage all of you to help in the drive to get Delia this dog.
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We will also be making a $1,000 donation to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in the next couple of days. This is where Elle received the majority of her treatments and their level of care was simply amazing. We were fortunate to have a place like BBCH for Elle.
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We are looking forward to making 2014 even more successful than 2013. <a href="http://www.powerofelle.org/how_you_can_help">Please join us</a> in making that happen!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-86910172552551128402013-10-17T12:23:00.002-04:002013-10-17T12:23:46.005-04:00Another Successful Fundraiser for Power of Elle / More Funding From Power of ElleIt has been a busy summer/early fall for the Fund.
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First, some very good news. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/352057698253540/?ref=22" target=blank>Tea for Two Dolly & Me Tea Party</a> held on September 15 raised $1650.62 for the Fund, an increase of almost $200 over last year's event. Sandy Mekonis has our everlasting thanks and gratitude for organizing this event.
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And it is because of events like these and donations from so many generous people that we are able to give back.
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We recently once again sponsored the 1km fun run called "The Elle Dash" with a $300 donation at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hugsfromhayley?directed_target_id=0" target=blank>Hugs From Hayley Race for Maine Children's Cancer</a>. Hugs from Hayley is another wonderful organization worthy of your support. You can learn more about them <a href="http://hugsfromhayley.com/" target=blank>here</a>. We consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to work with them every year.
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The Fund donated $100 to the Fairfield School in Saco (where Elle attended kindergarten) for their Walk-a-Thon.
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And the Fund gave $407 to the Saco Parks and Recreation Department to help buy two bikes for their Saco Bikes for Kids program. These bikes will be used by children in the town's park and rec program.
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Again, it is because of the generosity and kindness from all of you that the Fund is able to give this money to so many different and worthy causes. And we cannot thank you enough for it.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-80923087219213497882013-09-14T15:15:00.001-04:002013-10-18T10:49:12.306-04:00Two Fundraisers for The Power of ElleOn Thursday, September 5, Jennifer Skinsacos held her third annual fundraiser for the Power of Elle at Ken's Place Seafood Restaurant in Scarborough. Jennifer takes all her tips from that evening along with any donations from patrons and generously gives that money to the Fund. This year, Jennifer was able to raise <strike>$1,142</strike> over $1,300 for the Fund and we couldn't be more delighted. It is events like these that allow the Fund to do things like donating to the Maine Children's Cancer Program, or to buy books for the Fairfield School library. Thank you to Jennifer and Ken's Place for their continued generosity and support!
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And tomorrow, September 15, there will be the second annual Tea for Two Dolly & Me Tea Party, held at the North Dam Mill in Biddeford. This wonderful event is run by Sandy Mekonis. Her daughter Laina and Elle were best friends, meeting at age 2 when they first starting dancing at the same dance school. You can read more about it on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/352057698253540/" target=blank>Facebook Event page</a>. Everybody raved about the Tea last year and it is sure to be a success again.
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As always, the Fund is extremely grateful for the generosity and kindness we receive from so many members of the community. It reminds us that Elle's spirit is still alive and she is still making a difference.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-885572156886995412013-06-09T10:30:00.000-04:002013-06-09T10:30:10.222-04:00More Donations to Fairfield SchoolAs you may or may not know, Elle attended Fairfield School for a brief time before her passing. It was a very important moment for her and something she had looked forward to for a while. So the Fund always looks for opportunities to help Fairfield School. In that spirit, we can announce the following donations from the Fund to Fairfield:
<ul>
<li>$1000 for two iPads for classroom learning
<li>$500 for the Garden/Greenhouse Project
</li>
</ul>
We hope these donations will help the children at Fairfield continue to grow and learn the way Elle did in her short time at the school.
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We will also be announcing the winners of the Bright Light Scholarships and the Heart of Dance winner from the Steppin Out Dance Studio shortly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-2814976709589201982013-02-01T12:36:00.000-05:002013-02-01T12:36:19.050-05:00Donations To MCCP and the Barbara Bush Children's HospitalPart of our ongoing efforts at the Fund include a goal of making yearly donations to the two institutions that provided such wonderful care for Ellie during her fight with cancer. As of today, we have reached that goal for the first time.
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In late November of 2012, the Fund made it's second donation to the Maine Children's Cancer Program. It was for $1,000.
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Then earlier today, the Fund made a $1,000 donation to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQ2WGu3pzs6lUBkTYJmVmPet810Ys_M6LQVqvEr4Op_Wb3Jx5G8eOdt81juy0W3AOCVUahaJiiRh3rkPhFcmgYE1g_YRg_Kjzgc3V0i87rSWzTO0L3emN3fujea48N1CidWTJgdM_UY_V/s1600/bbch_eccf_0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQ2WGu3pzs6lUBkTYJmVmPet810Ys_M6LQVqvEr4Op_Wb3Jx5G8eOdt81juy0W3AOCVUahaJiiRh3rkPhFcmgYE1g_YRg_Kjzgc3V0i87rSWzTO0L3emN3fujea48N1CidWTJgdM_UY_V/s320/bbch_eccf_0213.jpg" /></a></div>
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We cannot say enough about the excellent care that Ellie received from these two organizations. The staff at both are dedicated and caring, and they - along with Ellie's indomitable spirit - is why she lived such a full life while undergoing treatment.
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We are so pleased to have been able to do this. And we would like to make it an annual event. If you would care to help us in this, or in our other charitable efforts, please consider <a href="http://www.powerofelle.org/how_you_can_help" target=blank>making a donation to the Fund</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-69714902473180100132012-11-01T15:52:00.001-04:002012-11-01T15:54:20.498-04:00The Eleanor Clare Paye Memorial Playground: Build Day and DedicationOn October 13, members of the community came together in a Build Day to finish building the Eleanor Clare Paye Memorial Playground at Young School in Saco. It was a lot of hard work (and even more mulch), but the results were fantastic.
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Then on October 15, the playground was officially dedicated in a short ceremony which culminated with the students of Young School getting to try out the new playground.
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The Fund wants to thank not only John Sherman and the Saco Parks & Rec Playground Committee for voting to name the playground in Ellie's memory, but to all the volunteers, donors, other sponsors, KaBOOM!, Let's Play and the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group for making this a reality.
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Below are a few pictures taken at the Build Day on October 13 and the dedication on October 15. You can read a news story about the dedication <a href="http://www.keepmecurrent.com/sun_chronicle/news/young-school-playground-debuts-to-raves/article_3d779c5a-1880-11e2-82d4-001a4bcf887a.html" target=blank>here</a> and view the Saco Parks & Rec Playground Committee Facebook photo album of the Build Day <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.515654135131057.129778.248145745215232&type=1" target=blank>here</a>.
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<strong>From Build Day</strong>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yT25KnpIqfvJHIaRdOlwYI453e8inzKGN0Z1-VQhmCUdcHGoRqFGv2C_4MirhrP2bAQOO25ZdbqAmdwfSb3j13vCv3MBHgdjD6DJ16LPT1K_Jx3nbMzYeWgwgyDmGkPffG-jzciZME1G/s1600/ellie+playground+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="161" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yT25KnpIqfvJHIaRdOlwYI453e8inzKGN0Z1-VQhmCUdcHGoRqFGv2C_4MirhrP2bAQOO25ZdbqAmdwfSb3j13vCv3MBHgdjD6DJ16LPT1K_Jx3nbMzYeWgwgyDmGkPffG-jzciZME1G/s320/ellie+playground+sign.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>From Dedication Day</strong>
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<P>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-40560862517137019052012-09-11T20:10:00.001-04:002012-09-11T20:12:47.248-04:00Fundraisers For The Power of Elle This SummerThis summer saw no fewer than four fundraisers for the Fund, all of which were made possible by members of the community who cared enough about Elle and the Fund to go out of their way to raise money.
<P>
First was the <a href="http://eleanorclarepaye.blogspot.com/2012/04/great-pictures-for-great-cause.html" target=blank>photo fundraiser held by Nadra Edgerly Photography</a> at the end of May. Giving up a lot of their time and effort, the weekend-long event raised almost $500 for the Fund. And provided some amazing photos for people along the way.
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Next was a <strong>Lemonade and Bake Sale Fundraiser</strong> in late July. Put together by Lori Schraier and Tara St. Onge (and on one of the hottest days of the year), their event raised $750 for the Fund. Not only were they generous in all the work and effort they put into the event, but there were many other people who donated time, items, or something equally valuable. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/371218396274974/" target=blank>Here is a link to the event page on Facebook</a> where you can find an entire list of who donated what to the fundraiser.
<P>
Last Thursday was the <strong>2nd Annual Benefit for the Power of Elle</strong> held by Jennifer Skinsacos at Ken's Place in Scarborough. You can read about last year's event <a href="http://eleanorclarepaye.blogspot.com/2011/09/over-1100-raised-for-power-of-elle.html" target=blank>here</a>. Once again, Elle's mother and aunt worked tirelessly with Jennifer to make this event a success. Thanks to their work and the generosity of not only the many people who donated but that of Dave Wilcox, the owner of Ken's Place, the Benefit raised over $750 for the Fund.
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And this past Sunday was <strong>Tea for Two: A Dolly & Me Tea Party</strong>. This event was put together by Sandy Mekonis. Sandy's daughter, Laina, was Elle's best friend. This event was held at the North Dam Mill in Biddeford. I encourage you to read <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/256923134423739/" target=blank>the event page on Facebook</a> to get an idea of the effort and work Sandy put into this event. So many people and so many companies donated so much to make this happen. Here is a picture of the poster that greeted people so you can see the number of people and companies involved (you can click on it to make it larger).
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Tea for Two raised $1,461 for the Fund. And made a lot of young ladies (and their mothers) very happy.
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In all, this summer the Fund received almost $3500 from these four events. We cannot express our thankfulness and appreciation for all the work these caring people did. But that is a testament to who Elle was, and how many people she touched in her short time here. And because of these efforts, the Fund can continue to make a difference in the community.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-77371097496176508022012-07-30T17:23:00.002-04:002012-07-30T17:25:16.466-04:002nd Annual Bright Light Scholarship Winners and the Eleanor Clare Paye "Heart of Dance" RecipientThis June marked the second year that the Fund worked with Steppin Out Dance Studio in Saco (the dance studio Elle attended for 3+ years) to award the the Bright Light Scholarships and the annual Eleanor Clare Paye "Heart of Dance" award during their annual summer recital in Portland, Maine. The winners of last year's awards can be found <a href="http://eleanorclarepaye.blogspot.com/2011/08/bright-light-scholarship-winners-and.html" target=blank>here</a>.
<P>
The Fund helped to grant scholarships totaling $1300 to the following students:
<ul>
<li>Sarah Choroszy
<li>Lauren Ledoux
<li>Jaimie Dube
<li>Kellie Gagnon
<li>Taylor Picard
</li></ul>
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This year's winner of the Eleanor Clare Paye "Heart of Dance" award was Dylan Penniman.
<P>
As always, the Fund was able to do this in conjunction with Steppin Out Dance Studio thanks to the generosity of people who have donated to the Fund. Through their giving, we continue to ensure that the love of life that Ellie possessed will be remembered.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-25073708608254997232012-05-03T10:07:00.002-04:002012-05-03T10:12:44.461-04:00The Eleanor Clare Paye Memorial PlaygroundRecently Saco was awarded a grant from two national non-profits (Kaboom! and Let's Play) to rebuild the playground at Young School, one of two elementary schools in town. The Parks Committee from the Parks and Recreation Department then being raising private funding as well for the project.
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Elle loved playgrounds. She enjoyed both the one at Fairfield and at Young. So when this project came to the Fund's attention, we decided to make a generous donation to the project.
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In response, the Parks Committee unanimously voted to <a href="http://www.keepmecurrent.com/front/saco-play-area-to-honor-cancer-victim/article_ddeb0506-948b-11e1-a028-001a4bcf887a.html#.T6KNdrpphZs.facebook" target=blank>name the new playground after Elle</a>.
<blockquote>
The playground, which is located in a city park on North Street, will officially be known as "The Eleanor Clare Paye Memorial Playground,” after the Saco Playground Committee received “a generous donation” from the Eleanor Clare Paye Charitable Fund, [John] Sherman said this week.
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“This is a great way to honor a special little girl who bravely fought against cancer,” he added.
</blockquote>
To say we are appreciative of this would be a massive understatement. It is a remarkable gesture. And we are extremely thankful to the Parks Committee for their decision to remember Elle in this manner.
<P>
We will continue to update you on the progress of The Eleanor Clare Paye Memorial Playground in the months ahead.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-5668189432146808062012-04-12T10:19:00.000-04:002012-04-12T10:19:13.885-04:00Great Pictures for a Great Cause<a href="http://nadraphotography.com/welcome/" target=blank>Nadra Photography</a> in Scarborough, ME is holding <strong>May Flowers 2012</strong> on May 19th and 20th. This is a chance for you to not only have some beautiful photos taken, but to help the Fund as well.
<P>
<a href="http://www.mim.io/dad082?toolbar=promotions%2Ftoolbar_preview&fwcc=1&fwcl=1&fwl" target=blank>Here are the details</a>:
<blockquote>
For $100 you will receive a 30 minute portrait session, along with an 8x10 print of your favorite image (a $155 total value)! Sessions will be held on Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20 at our Scarborough studio. Beautiful portraits for everyone: families, children, couples, individuals and pets. We will have fresh flower props and bubbles... you bring the smiles!
</blockquote>
50% of all the proceeds from this weekend will be donated by Nadra Photography to the Fund.
<P>
This is an incredibly generous and kind gesture and we cannot express our thanks enough. So if you are going to be in or around Scarborough that weekend, we encourage you to take part.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-10711892296615424322012-01-25T13:46:00.000-05:002012-01-25T13:53:06.620-05:00Our Achievements in 2011As 2012 begins, we are pleased with the donations the Fund was able to make in 2011. In less than six months we were able to:
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://eleanorclarepaye.blogspot.com/2011/08/bright-light-scholarship-winners-and.html" target=blank>Hand out $1500 in scholarships to dance students at Steppin' Out Dance Studio in Saco, ME</a></strong>. This was the dance studio where Elle danced for almost four years. It was very dear to her and her family, and this relationship is one we hope to continue for many years to come.</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://eleanorclarepaye.blogspot.com/2011/11/books-bought-for-fairfield-elementary.html" target=blank>Donate over $300 to the Fairfield Elementary School in Saco, ME for the purchase of books for the school library</a></strong>. This is where Elle attended Kindergarten. The books will contain nameplates recognizing Elle and the Fund.</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://eleanorclarepaye.blogspot.com/2011/11/1000-donated-to-maine-childrens-cancer.html" target=blank>Donate $1000 to the Maine Children's Cancer Program in Scarborough, ME</a></strong>. This is the program where Elle received her treatment. Her ability to live the life of a young girl with minimal restrictions while battling cancer was due in large part to the tireless efforts of the doctors and staff at MCCP. This is the first of what we hope will be regular donations from the Fund to MCCP.</li>
</ul>
These donations were possible due to the generosity of all of you. And it is because of you we will be able to do more in 2012.
<P>
If you would like to make a donation, you can find the information on how to do so <a href="http://www.powerofelle.org/how_you_can_help" target=blank>here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-54891956237670307742011-11-30T11:52:00.000-05:002011-11-30T11:52:12.126-05:00$1000 Donated to Maine Children's Cancer ProgramOn Friday, November 18, the Fund donated $1000 to the Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP) at their offices in Scarborough, ME. This is the first donation the Fund has made to MCCP.<br><br />
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This particular donation will go towards buying items that make the time pediatric cancer patients spend getting treatment more tolerable. It will focus on toys and arts and crafts products (crayons, paints, paper). These were some of Elle's most favorite things to do while she received treatment. And we want to make sure that other children have that same opportunity.<br />
<P>This is first of what we hope are regular donations to MCCP by the Fund. Their treatment of Elle was first-class. She was able to live the life of a young girl with minimal restrictions right up to the time of her passing. Considering the seriousness of her cancer, that is nothing short of remarkable. And it was made possible by the doctors and staff at MCCP.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-7364790150475659572011-11-06T08:44:00.000-05:002011-11-06T08:44:03.037-05:00Books Bought For Fairfield Elementary SchoolThe Fund recently donated $300 to the Fairfield Elementary School in Saco for the purchase of books for their library. <br />
<br />
Elle loved reading and being read to. So buying more books for the library was something we really wanted to accomplish. The books will have a nameplate recognizing Elle and the Fund. Hopefully, this can become a regular event.<br />
<br />
As always, these gifts are possible because of your support for the Fund. And we thank you for your generosity in helping us keep Elle's spirit of love and kindness alive.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-36556780906492090652011-09-28T14:02:00.000-04:002011-09-28T14:02:11.252-04:00Over $1100 Raised For Power of Elle!And all this began with the efforts of one woman; Jennifer Skinsacos. Jennifer is a bartender at Ken's Place, a seafood restaurant in Scarborough, ME. Jennifer offered to donate all her tips from 4-8 PM on Thursday, September 8, to the Fund. That expanded to the whole staff making the same commitment. And then to the owner, Dave Wilcox, making a very generous personal donation.<br />
<P>There were other examples of generosity as well. This is from the Facebook event page, written by Jennifer:<br />
<blockquote>"Thank you to the Carriage House Spa and Salon for the gift certificate as well as personal contributions from the owners and staff. Thank you to Minott's Flowers for the beautiful arrangement of white roses that represented Elle all night on the bar. And thank you to Emily and Beth for putting the gold ribbons together... many people asked for the them and were so proud to wear them! I will be wearing mine all month (September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month)!"<br />
</blockquote>Emily and Beth are Elle's aunt and mother.<br />
<P>This was an amazing example of personal generosity from so many different people. It is also representative of how Elle's life and memory still live on in all of us.<br />
<P>Thank you again to everyone involved for your generosity and kindness.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-5922838640229183142011-08-30T09:05:00.000-04:002011-08-30T09:05:29.991-04:00Bright Light Scholarship Winners and the Eleanor Clare Paye "Heart of Dance" RecipientOn June 4, Steppin Out Dance Studio had their annual summer recital at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Ellie participated in this recital three times, the last two times while battling cancer. The Power of Elle worked with Steppin Out to do something in Ellie's memory, a lasting tribute to her love of dance.<br />
<P>The result of this effort was two-fold: the Bright Light Scholarships and the annual Eleanor Clare Paye "Heart of Dance" award, which is given to a dancer who continues to dance despite physical adversity.<br />
<P>Power of Elle is proud to announce the winners of both the Bright Light Scholarships and the "Heart of Dance" award. First, the scholarship winners. These were awarded to students pursuing post-secondary education. <br />
<ul><li>Adrianna Schultz: $100<br />
<li>Kaitlyn Lecount: $100<br />
<li>Vanessa Trempe: $100<br />
<li>Marielle Petrin: $100<br />
<li>Christine Rousselle: $100<br />
<li>Lauren Ledoux: $500<br />
<li>Tricia Evangelista: $500<br />
</ul>The winner of the "Heart of Dance" award was Delia Binette. She not only was awarded a trophy, but a dance jacket and a gift card.
<P>The ability of the Power of Elle to do this with Steppin Out was due largely to the generosity of people who have donated to the Fund. Through their giving and kindness, we are able to ensure that the life and love that Ellie possessed will continue to be remembered.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-88079374298563004112011-06-12T13:31:00.000-04:002011-06-12T13:31:03.422-04:00Elle's Memory TreeThis past Thursday Fairfield Elementary School in Saco (where Elle attended Kindergarten) planted a Memory Tree for Elle. It is a flowering crab-apple tree, which would please Elle to no end as she loved trees that flowered.<br />
<br />
Her teacher Mrs. Pendleton, her kindergarten class and Principal McMullin were there along with her family, and her best friend Laina. Elle's class sang a song and Mrs. Pendleton read a poem they wrote before everyone took a turn putting a shovel of dirt into the planting hole for the tree. The poem was framed with pictures of all the students and Elle for her parents to have.<br />
<br />
It was a lovely ceremony and it will be wonderful to have a living, growing memorial for Elle. Many thanks to the entire Fairfield School community for such a wonderful and heart-felt tribute.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-73940176592236966192011-06-02T20:39:00.000-04:002011-06-02T21:36:22.785-04:00Steppin' Out Dance Centre - Award and ScholarshipIf Elle's family (including her two cats) was the most important thing in her life, then dance was a very close second. For almost four years Elle was a student at the Steppin' Out Dance Centre in Saco. Every year they have a summer recital at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Their 2011 recital is this Saturday, and we have some exciting announcements to make.<br />
<br />
First is the award. During Elle's battle with cancer, she won an award at her last two recitals, respectfully called <em>The Heart of Dance</em> and <em>The Spirit of Dance</em>. The school has decided to make <em>The Heart of Dance</em> award a permanent fixture, renaming it the <em>Eleanor Clare Paye "Heart of Dance"</em> award. It will go to a student each year who battles through great adversity and still continues to dance, just like Elle did.<br />
<br />
Second, we are happy to announce the first charitable action by Power of Elle. Starting this year, the Steppin' Out Dance Centre will be awarding the Bright Light Scholarship. Funded by Power of Elle, it is an annual $500 scholarship that can be applied for by any Steppin' Out student pursuing higher education in the fall.<br />
<br />
Lastly, at the recital this Saturday the school will be giving out white flowers and gold ribbon pins. People attending the recital and taking the flowers and/or pins will be able to make a donation. All monies received this way will be donated to the Fund by the Steppin' Out Dance Centre.<br />
<br />
Steppin' Out was a huge part of Elle's life and they are near and dear to us, a feeling that is mutual. We are pleased we could do the scholarship for them and that they are doing the award and donation collection for us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-33077613782997015582011-06-02T10:30:00.000-04:002011-06-05T11:56:44.499-04:00Belated ThanksIn the months between Elle's passing and the launch of her Fund, there have been many people who have made donations to or raised money for Elle's fund, and have made donations to other organizations in her name. I'll have to go through a lot of papers to get to them all, but I want to mention two right here.<br />
<p>First, Mike Paul of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mikepaulfoundations" target=blank>Mike Paul Foundations</a> in Saco raised over $500 for the Fund in the month after Elle's passing. He made these great black knit caps with a gold ribbon (the pediatric cancer color) on the front. Mike also raised money for all of Elle's family to go to a Red Sox game in August of 2009. <br />
<p>Second, Eirik Paye and his co-workers at <a href="http://www.nick.com/shows/tuff-puppy" target=blank>Nickelodeon</a> in California raised $600 to be donated to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Elle's name.<br />
<p>The generosity and kindness of not only the people I mentioned here, but of everyone who made a donation, is overwhelming. It comes from the same spirit of kindness and love that Elle possessed. Thank you all.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701475055573904109.post-10065626258001469382011-06-02T10:26:00.000-04:002011-06-02T21:37:04.594-04:00Welcome!Some of you reading this may have been followers of Elle's blog - <a href="http://www.howiselle.com">How is Elle</a>? - as we chronicled her brave battle with Pleuropulmonary Blastoma. If so, I apologize for the time it has taken us to get to this point today. <br />
<p>However, Elle's mom and I are pleased to announce that we officially have in operation a charitable fund dedicated to helping Elle's legacy of bravery, love and happiness live on.<br />
<p>Officially called The Eleanor Clare Paye Charitable Fund, it also goes by a name some of you will be familiar with - Power of Elle. For those of you not familiar with the name, it was the name of the Facebook Group used to keep people up-to-date on Elle's progress after her initial diagnosis in March of 2009 and also to announce fund-raising events.<br />
<p>And that is what we will do here. We will keep you up-to-date on what charitable donations the Fund is making, things other people are doing to raise money for the Fund and events the Fund is holding.<br />
<p>If you would like to visit the Fund's website, the address is <a href="http://www.powerofelle.org" target=blank>powerofelle.org</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0