Black Bear boosts Christmas charities

PARIS - Casino investors don't have any slot machines up and running just yet, but they have issued their first major payout in the form of $40,000 in donations to eight local charities.

During a presentation of checks at a local luncheon, investors announced donations in amounts ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to local charities, including Toys for Tots, a winter boot program overseen by Dancing Trees, and the Town of Oxford's Thanksgiving Fund.

For many of the seasonally-themed recipient charities, it was as if Christmas came a little early this year.

"It makes a huge difference for the local kids," said Susan Jennings of the Bryant Pond 4-H camp and Learning Center. "It really helps us to accomplish our mission of providing outdoor educational experiences for young people."

Bob Bahre, a partner in Black Bear Entertainment (BBE), said the awards are a way thank the people who have made his Maine-based businesses a success.

“I’m especially happy to have some of this money go to the Toys for Tots program,” Bahre said. “It’s nice to know a lot of children in our community will have a little something at Christmas.”

The donations included $10,000 to the Toys for Tots Foundation's Turnkey Homes Drive; $5,000 to the Oxford Hills Food Pantry for the December Foodmobile program; $5,000 to the Oxford Hills Christmas for Teens Program; $5,000 to the Progress Center; $5,000 to the town of Oxford for the Keep Oxford Warm fund, and its Thanksgiving Fund; $5,000 to the No Strings Attached program at Moss Brook Outreach; $2,500 to the Winter Boots for Kids program of Dancing Trees; and $2,500 to the Bryant Pond 4-H Camp and Learning Center.

BBE partner Suzanne Grover said that organizations which help feed area citizens are of particular importance.

“People are really hurting,” Grover said. “The need is so great in our community right now, but these are fantastic organizations. I know every single dollar will be well spent; these organizations improve the lives of our neighbors and those most in need.”

Of the $40,000 donated, $10,000 came from Creative Design & Marketing (CD&M), BBE’s advertising agency. CD&M president Bob Cott said he was thrilled to help with the award contribution and presentations.

“Hopefully the ceremony brightened the day just a little bit," said Cott, "and gave everyone a little hope that better times are just around the corner.”

Photo:

CHRISTMAS CHEER - (from left) Donald Winckler, Mike Booker, and Tim Knowles of Moss Brook Church; Bob Bahre of Black Bear Entertainment (BBE); Connie Allen and Jean Delamater of the Oxford Hills Christmas for Teens program; Jim Boldebrook of BBE; Elizabeth Rice of the Oxford Hills Food Pantry; Oxford Town Clerk Ellen Morrison; Suzanne Grover of BBE; Susan Jennings of the Bryant Pond 4H Camp & Learning Center; and Oxford Town Manager Michael Chammings.