Downeast Energy and Building Supply, a local heating and building materials company with an office in Windham, has acquired a baseball from the 2004 World Series, autographed by Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling. Proceeds from the famous ball will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine, a charity that is of special interest to Downeast since two daughters of longtime employee Kenny Bouchard were diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a progressively degenerative neuromuscular disease.

The baseball was initially to have been raffled among Downeast Energy employees only, but the company elected to sell chances to the community as well. “The baseball will have interest to plenty of people outside our company,” says Peter Bernier, head of Building Supply at Downeast Energy, and Bouchard’s boss. “And the more folks involved, the more benefit to Make-A-Wish.”

Noelle and Allison Bouchard, ages 17 and 11, were both diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia in early 2004. The disease is genetically acquired and has no cure. Both girls contacted the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine and both are having their wishes granted. Bouchard’s youngest will travel to Disney World with the family. His oldest daughter, Noelle, will attend a major music festival later this summer in Massachusetts, and will afterwards meet her favorite band.

Tickets for the raffle are $5 and can be bought at the Downeast Energy office in Windham, or at any Downeast Energy location around the state. The drawing will take place on August 31.