The Oldies Dance Group announced posted its biggest fundraising year to date in 2021 while raising money for the Ronald McDonald House of Portland. The group made the announcement in a March 6 news release.

In conducting its Rock ‘n’ Roll Oldies Benefit Dance in December after an absence of more than two years because of pandemic restrictions, the Oldies Dance Group raised $9,075 for Ronald McDonald House and sold 282 tickets for the event.

Through 18 dances over the past 13 years, the Oldies Dance Group has raised a total of $80,010 for Ronald McDonald House, which provides comfort for the families of pediatric patients and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and enables family centered care to ensure that family members are fully supported and actively involved in their child’s care.

“The generosity of the community in supporting the mission of the group has never wavered,” said Bruce Martin, Oldies Dance Group organizer, in the news release. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has attended the dances and those who continue to make donation while demonstrating a significant commitment to helping sick children and their families.”

The Oldies Dance Group committee donated a check for $9,075 to Ronald McDonald House of Portland that it raised during a dance in December. Bottom from left are Wendy Twitchell, Helen Vadnais, Connie O’Rourke and Michelle Mondor. Top from left are Diane Dubois, Bruce Martin, Elvis, Alicia Milne of Ronald McDonald House, Ernie Mills, and Katherine Russo. Not pictured: Roger and Bonnie Ouellette, Dave Twomey, Charlie and Donna McKenney, Ed and Nancy Pierce and Joyce McGee. Courtesy photo

Martin said that the popularity of the rock n’ roll dances coupled with a willingness in the community to support its fundraising mission through donations and door prizes contributed by local businesses have made the dances the largest community fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House of Portland.

“In December we received 90 donations and door prizes from businesses and private donors,” Martin said in an email. “In March alone this past year people donated their ticket money and contributed other donations, so we made $4,635 for a dance that never happened because of the pandemic. That tells us people in this community truly do care.”

Businesses and individuals making donations for the December dance include Lord’s Clam Box, JJ Eatery, Marden’s, Jumpin Jacks, Sebago Brewery, Market Basket, Pine Tree Seafood, Lowe’s, Bayley’s Lobster, 99 Restaurant, Trillium, Ace Hardware, Shaw’s, Federal Jacks, Duffy’s, Saco Frame, Sea Salt Lobster, Cole Road Café, Mulligan’s, Hair By Karen, David’s Sub Shop, Dairy Queen Biddeford, Hannaford, Saco Bay Tackle and Savvy Rentals.

Also making donations to the December dance were Copy It, Friendship Ocean Suites, Amvets, University Credit Union, Golden Rooster, Beachway Market, Run Of The Mill, All Day Breakfast, Subway, Pizza By Michaels, Reilly’s Bakery, Sugar Mamas, Café 64, Dickerson’s Candy, Reny’s, Good Day Barber, CIA Café, Scarborough Fish & Lobster, Rapid Ray’s, GFB Scottish Pub, Nyce Nails, Mel’s Raspberry Patch and Alisson’s Restaurant.

Other donations to the Oldies Dance in December were made by Brady’s Screen Printing, Sanford Sewing, Good Tymes Café, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Beach Bagel, NAPA, Pine Point Charities, Alice Gagne, Jim Godbout Plumbing/Heating, Pauline Roy, Doiron Chiropractic, Mary Price, Jackson’s Tree Service, Joe Fallo, Coastal Tech Heating and Bruce and Joanne Church.

The next Rock ‘n’ Roll Oldies Benefit Dance will be the 19th dance hosted by the Oldies Dance Group and will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight May 7 at the Eagle’s Hall, 57 Birch St., Biddeford. Tickets are $10 and sell out quickly as seating is limited.

Martin said that the dances connect with the community because they feature rock ‘n’ roll tunes from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s that people grew up and is the soundtrack of their lives.

“For many people it’s a chance to get out of the house and dance the evening away while supporting a great cause,” Martin said. “These dances are an outstanding opportunity to listen to great music, get out on the dance floor with your friends and to help raise money for the important work that the Ronald McDonald House in Portland is doing.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, call Bruce Martin at 284-4692.