WISCASSET — What could be better than flying through the air on a zip line 40 feet off the ground?
How about flying through the air on a zip line to benefit Maine Special Olympics?
The Damariscotta Police Department and the Sagadahoc County Sheriff ’s Office will join forces to host a fundraiser Saturday, May 19, at Monkey C Monkey Do, a high-flying family adventure park located along Route 1 in Wiscasset. The family-owned and operated park features zip lines, a multi-level rope course and a giant swing.
Rich Alexander, a Damariscotta Police Department officer, organized the fundraiser. He contacted the owners of Monkey C Monkey Do about getting gift certificates for the Law Enforcement Torch Running Conference, at which law enforcement officers from around Maine gather to talk about fundraising efforts. The owners then approached Alexander wanting to do more. They offered the use of their course for an afternoon solely for this benefit.
“They have just been amazing,” Alexander said of the Monkey C Monkey Do owners.
“All the money raised will go directly to Special Olympics Maine,” Alexander said Special Olympics is the only cause for which law enforcement professionals in Maine are allowed to raise money. This year they aim to raise $250,000, surpassing the $228,000 raised last year.
Tickets are available at a cost of $20 each for one of two different two-hour sessions. The first will run from noon to 2 p.m., and the second from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The regular prices for adults is $40, Alexander noted, “so it’s a good deal.”
“Kids as young as 5 can do this,” he said.
Only 140 tickets will be sold — 70 for each time block. Activities will take place rain or shine.
A 50/50 raffle and other raffles, including for gift certificates for kayak rentals, will take place. Hot dogs and soda will be for sale.
Alexander said he hasn’t yet experienced the adventures offered at Monkey C Monkey Do but is excited about the event.
“It supports a great cause,” he said. Maine Special Olympics is open to children and adults alike, and “it’s something very special for me at least, to be involved in Maine Special Olympics.”
He has been involved in the program for about 13 years and last year, was surprised to be awarded the organization’s unsung hero award for his work behind the scenes.
Last year he went to the summer games held in Orono, “and it was just an amazing experience,” Alexander said. “It was my first time going and I will never miss another summer games.”
Often, police officers are met with an attitude that “we’re out harassing everyone, and you kind of get down on yourself,” he said. “But when you go to the summer games, these athletes treat you like a (hero). They highfive you and hug you.”
The experience rejuvenated Alexander at a time when he needed it, adding, “It was an awesome time.”
This year’s state summer games will run from June 8 to June 10 at the University of Maine at Orono. For more information about Maine Special Olympics, visit www.somaine.org.
To purchase tickets to the May 19 fundraiser, contact Rich Alexander through the Damariscotta Police Department at 563-1909 or call Candice Robinson or Tammy Shiers at 443-9711.
To learn more about the Monkey C Monkey Do, visit www.monkeycmonkeydo.com.
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