Shriners from the Kora Temple in Lewiston always like to take an opportunity to remind people about what they do and why they do it.
The 22 Shrine Hospitals for Children offer care that’s free of charge to anyone 18 years of age or younger who might require orthopedic care or treatment for burns. In order to do that, the Shriners must raise a huge amount of money each and every year and the efforts of all involved pays off in a big way.
This past Sunday in Lewiston, the players, cheerleaders and coaches for the 2007 Lobster Bowl game heard firsthand just exactly what wonderful work is being done at Shrine Hospitals. New Orleans resident Dan Caro made a surprise appearance after his life story was presented to the gathering via a DVD movie.
Caro was badly burned when he was two-years-old and he lost his hands in the tragic accident that affected 70 percent of his body. But after many operations, numerous skin grafts, and a tremendous amount of physical therapy at Boston’s Shriners Burns Institute, Caro now leads a rewarding life that includes a remarkable ability to play the drums.
His inspirational message to the young people involved in the latest edition of the Lobster Bowl included three points: work hard, be accountable for your actions, and be willing to pay the price. Caro also emphasized how important their participation in the Lobster Bowl truly is. He spoke not only about the money the kids would help to raise, but also the awareness the kids players and cheerleaders would help to generate regarding the world class care the Shrine Hospitals provide.
Bonny Eagle’s Anthony Atkins, Stan Watts, and Ben Delcourt will join Windham’s Josh Sundquist and Raibonne Charles and Lake Region’s Lee Maher on the sidelines for the West all-stars.
In addition, Windham head coach Matt Perkins was chosen as the head coach for the West all-stars this time around. He’ll be helped by Windham assistants Kevin Millington and Phil Rossetti as well as Bonny Eagle coaches Kevin Cooper and John Suttie.
Perkins played in the Lobster Bowl back in 1992 and he’s been an assistant coach for the West all-stars on two other occasions. “It’s a huge honor knowing the game means so much,” said Perkins about his participation. “And it’s nice being able to give your time for such a worthy cause.”
“It definitely is a nice honor to be part of this because of the cause and the meaning behind the game,” said Windham’s Raibonne Charles. The Eagles’ senior is recovering from ankle surgery but he should be ready to go when training camp opens at Hebron Academy in late July.
All of the players are pleased that they were asked to play and they’re especially pleased to represent their team and their school one more time.
“It’s a big honor because we’re raising a bunch of money kids who need it,” said the Scots’ Ben Delcourt. “Plus we don’t get a chance to play East teams that much.”
The 18th annual Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl all-star football game is scheduled for Friday, July 27, at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
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