Gorham recreation AED

Thanks to fundraising efforts that included an large effort on the part of Mr. Pizza, the Gorham recreation department was able to purchase a portable AED that can be kept at the Town Common field. The department already has an AED at Libby Field, recreation director Jeff Stewart (right) said. This now allows the town to have the life-saving device at both fields in case of a cardiac emergency. Mr. Pizza owners, Jim (left) and LouAnne Pelkey (center), donated $5 from every large pizza purchased in a four hour fundraiser recently to the department to help offset the cost of the machine. With more than 140 pizzas ordered in that time frame thanks to "unbelieveable support," the Pelkeys donated just under $1,200. Jim said some community members dropped off cash donations, the restaurant's former owner came in to help keep up with the order volume and customers exercised extreme patience. Stewart said parents Kim Harris and Nancy Gordon deserve kudos for spearheading the AED fundraising effort. (MELISSA GRIMA PHOTO)