UNE Supports Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital with $3,000 Raised at Annual Dining Fundraiser
Fundraiser Overview
The University of New England (UNE) once again partnered with its dining service provider, Parkhurst Dining, to host the annual Caring for Kids luncheon. Held on the Portland campus on Thursday, November 20, the ticketed event brought together students, faculty, staff and local community members for a meal that raised $3,000 for the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.
The lunch was held in Arthur P. Girard Innovation Hall and featured dishes prepared with ingredients donated by more than ten local vendors. Parkhurst Dining’s “Caring for Kids” initiative, which has run company‐wide for several years, supports children’s hospitals in the communities it serves. The 2025 event doubled the total raised in 2024 and brings the campaign closer to its goal of $10,000 for this year’s funding period.
Impact on Pediatric Care
The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital is the only full‑service children’s facility in Maine and a division of the state’s largest health system. Funds from the luncheon directly support pediatric care services, including diagnostics, surgical procedures, and family support resources. For one parent, the donation helped cover the cost of a specialized therapy program that made a measurable difference in a child’s recovery trajectory.
In addition to monetary support, the luncheon strengthened community ties by connecting patients, families and hospital staff with UNE residents. During the event, volunteers delivered holiday cards and cookies to hospital patients—a gesture that exemplifies the spirit of service celebrated at the fundraiser.
Community Engagement Across Campus
Beyond the health‑care focus, the event served a dual purpose: it also supported UNE’s Food Pantry, which distributes non‑perishable items to students experiencing food insecurity. Donations collected during the luncheon helped replenish pantry supplies and raised awareness of student wellness challenges.
“The banquet illustrated how the campus can support itself and protect one another,” said UNE Associate Director of Student Life, Chris McCarry. The gathering highlighted the university’s mission to promote life‑enhancing partnerships and collaborative endeavors within Maine and beyond.
Cooperation with Parkhurst Dining
Vendor Partnerships and Meal Production
The lunch’s menu was a testament to local culinary collaboration. Ingredients were sourced from nearby farms, bakeries, and specialty shops. “We’re proud to showcase our community’s best food while advancing a noble cause,” said Kayla Maniery, director of catering at UNE Parkhurst. She noted the resonance of this mission in her own experience as a former pediatric patient.
The Caring for Kids Challenge
Each year, Parkhurst Dining rolls out a competitive challenge that encourages employees to maximize fundraising potential. This year’s outing drew a record number of ticket sales, a result of targeted outreach by the dining team, student volunteers, and faculty sponsors.
Insights from Participants
Student voices reflected the event’s impact on personal and professional growth. Sabrina and Goldberg, data science students, noted how the fundraiser fostered interdisciplinary collaboration. Therapist-in-training, Dr. Gabriel Draculan, discussed how his hospital experience reinforced his commitment to serve patients beyond the operating room.
Student and service‑learning developers emphasized that the lunch gave them insight into community service’s role in health‑care education—a lesson increasingly valuable to those pursuing health professions.
How You Can Get Involved
There are multiple avenues for students, alumni and community members to participate in future events and support the hospital’s mission:
- Attend future fundraisers. Tickets typically release in early fall. Check UNE’s Events calendar for dates.
- Volunteer for the hospital holiday’s delivery program. Parkhurst Dining and UNE coordinate pizza and cookie deliveries; sign‑ups are available through the university’s Student Life portal.
- Support the Food Pantry. Drop non‑perishable items or offer information on campus to faculty and staff who can help distribute.
To learn more about how UNE, Parkhurst Dining or the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital partner for community health, visit the hospital’s website or the Parkhurst Dining page.
Looking Ahead: Next Year’s Goals
With the 2025 fundraising period now complete, the goal for 2026 is to surpass the $10,000 threshold established this year. UNE plans to expand the event’s scope by inviting more local businesses and securing additional sponsorships. Students interested in taking a leadership role in event planning may reach out to the Student Life Office for mentorship and resources.
Call to Action
Submit your application to UNE’s Community Service Coordinated Programs today and become part of a campus culture that turns compassion into action. Apply here.
Schedule a free consultation with UNE’s College of Health Professions to discover how you can integrate volunteer work with your academic schedule. Book a consult.
Have questions about the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital fundraising? Reach out to our Communications Office at [email protected] or comment below to share your experiences.
Explore related events by browsing UNE’s news archives and community partnership updates for further opportunities to give back. View upcoming events.
