The Brunswick in Old Orchard Beach was packed with people on Sunday October 23rd as they came to support Dan in his fight against leukemia. They started arriving before 11am for an event that was scheduled from 1pm to 6pm. The Brunswick can hold a large crowd, but there were so many that they spilled out onto the patio and even the beach as the afternoon went on.

Former Cornerstone band member David Laurence came from Oklahoma. Folks flew up from Florida, drove down from Canada, and there were license plates from all over New England. Musicians, family, friends, and fans celebrated with Dan and Belinda and The Brunswick was filled with some of the best music you will hear in Maine.

Dan was there for the entire afternoon and was humbled by all the attention as people came by to wish him well. He even made it onto the stage to sing a few lines and then expressed his thanks to everyone who put this event together- the musicians, the donors, and those in attendance. His daughter Kate sang a special number for her dad.

The Benefit exceeded our expectations and that will go a long way in helping Dan and Belinda pay the bills until he can work again. That should be sometime in 2023.

We want to especially thank The Brunswick and all their staff for being such wonderful hosts. Thanks to Ron Bouffard for arranging the musicians; Barney Martin for being the Emcee; all the volunteers who set up the raffle and silent auction tables; the folks who sold tickets and t-shirts and CD’s and collected donations; and all his fans who came out to support our fundraising efforts.

A big thank-you goes to Ray Richardson and WLOB Radio 100.5 FM. Ray set up this website and had two Friday mornings where he promoted this event on his morning talk show. He also came to The Brunswick and provided his support.

Thanks to everyone who donated items to the raffle and the auction. The range of items was amazing, the creativity was superb and the participation in ticket buying was over the top!!!! We could not have done this without all of you!!!!

We know that this event is not the end of what Dan and Belinda may need for help along this journey. However, it is clear we live in a wonderful and caring place that steps up when someone needs help, and we know you will continue to be there with prayers, love and support. Thanks to all of you for being part of this great community.

Linc Merrill & Lorna Merrill Hazelton