Ogunquit Playhouse's DAMN YANKEES and Maine Children's Cancer Program Team Up Today, 8/12

The Ogunquit Playhouse and Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP) are teaming up to Strike Out Cancer in Kids! as part of an ongoing effort by the Portland Sea Dogs baseball team to raise awareness and funds for cancer-stricken children in the state of Maine. In support of this collaboration, the Ogunquit Playhouse has named today, August 12, during its run of Damn Yankees, the Boston Red Sox Version, as Strike out Cancer in Kids Day! at The Playhouse.

Today, August 12, children and families from MCCP will enjoy a fun day of baseball and theater at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Activities will include photo opportunities with the Boston Red Sox World Series trophy and Slugger, the Portland Sea Dogs mascot; tickets to Damn Yankees, the Red Sox Version, featuring Carson Kressley; and a baseball game and picnic on The Playhouse grounds with the cast of the show.

"Attending the theater is a magical experience that the whole family can enjoy together," said Brad Kenney, Executive Artistic Director of the Ogunquit Playhouse. "The Ogunquit Playhouse is honored to host the families of MCCP and to help bring smiles to the faces of so many young patients."

The Maine Children's Cancer Program, a part of The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center, helps children through their journey with cancer by providing high quality care and support for both children and their families. Each year more than 50 children with cancer are newly diagnosed and treated at MCCP. Approximately 200 children are in various stages of active treatment at any given time.

"We are thrilled to have an incredible relationship with The Ogunquit Playhouse," said Timothy Boynton, Development Manager for MCCP. "Community collaboration like this is what helps us achieve our mission to keep cancer from getting in the way of letting kids be kids."

Funds raised by the Strike Out Cancer in Kids program help pay for things these children need, such as state-of-the-art-equipment, psychosocial services and research to help find a cure for childhood cancer. Funds also help patients pay for new programs that may not necessarily be covered by insurance or patient fees. To make a donation, click here.

The Ogunquit Playhouse is America's Foremost Summer Theatre, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, producing the finest Broadway musicals each season. Follow the Ogunquit Playhouse on Twitter (@OgunquitPH) and become a fan on Facebook (facebook.com/OgunquitPlayhouse) for behind-the-scenes info, photos, and fun throughout the season. For a complete list of show times, pricing, and more information about the season visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.

Maine Medical Center is a complete health care resource for the people of Greater Portland and the entire state, as well as northern New England. Incorporated in 1864, MMC is the state's largest medical center, licensed for 637 beds and employing more than 6,000 people. MMC's unique role as both a community hospital and a referral center requires an unparalleled depth and breadth of services, including an active educational program and a world-class biomedical research center. As a nonprofit institution, Maine Medical Center provides nearly 23 percent of all the charity care delivered in Maine. MMC is a member of MaineHealth, a growing family of health care services in southern, central and western Maine. For more information, visit www.mmc.org.