Once again, the Portland Pirates and Gary's House are teaming up to score some "Goals" this season for Gary's House. Gary's House is a home where people from out-of-town can stay while they visit a family member in a local hospital.

Each year, fans pledge a dollar amount for every goal scored during that season. At the end of the season, participants will pay up based on the total number of goals scored. In 2010-11 the Pirates scored 280 goals. Fans can also make a one-time donation to Gary's House.

In addition to the support of the fans this season, Maine Medical Center will donate $50 to the Pirates Goals for Gary's House program for every goal the Pirates score this season. Maine Medical Center and Gary's House are proud to support the Portland Pirates.

Gary's House is a home that started as a young man's dream. While undergoing a two-and-a-half year battle with cancer, Gary saw how financially difficult it was for his parents to stay in hotels while he was his undergoing cancer treatments. When Gary realized he would lose his battle with cancer, he had a final wish: to establish a hospitality home in southern Maine that would serve families of patients.

Gary's parents, Trudy and Craig McNeal, were able to raise the money, through many fundraising events and donations, to buy and furnish a nine-bedroom home on State Street in Portland. After seven years of hard work, Gary's House opened its doors on December 13, 1998. With their goals met, the McNeals asked Mercy Hospital to sponsor the ongoing operation of the home.

To find out how you can donate to Gary's House, contact the Pirates front office at (207) 828-4665 ext. 313.

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