Why were belly dancers, reality TV stars and a speed painter all at Cape Arundel?

To help overcome the pouring rain to raise money for Gary’s House, of course. Mercy Health System announced Thursday that, despite the miserable weather at the time, the group’s annual charity golf tournament held last week managed its best fundraising totals yet.

The 10th annual George H.W. Bush Celebrity Golf Tournament raised more than $200,000, Mercy announced Thursday. The beneficiary, Gary’s House at 97 State St. in Portland, is named in memory of the late cancer patient Gary Pike, who asked during his treatment why there was no place near the hospital to stay for families of patients experiencing medical crises. So Gary’s House, opened in 1998, became such a place.

Darren Dyer of TV’s ‘Deadliest Catch’ pals around with Mercy CEO Eileen Skinner at the 10th annual George H.W. Bush Celebrity Golf Tournament recently. (Photo courtesy of Broadreach Public Relations)

Here’s a recap of the tournament festivities — and how they made the best of the weather — as provided by Mercy:

In attendance were former New England Patriots player Garin Veris, legendary New England sportscaster Dale Arnold, former PGA Commissioner Deane Beman as well as reality TV stars Travis Arket and Darren Dyer from “Deadliest Catch” and Bob Crowley “Survivor Bob” from “Survivor”.

Rather than spend a rainy day on the golf course, the crew from the “Deadliest Catch” went to the food tent and served chowder all day and chatted with golfers. Following the golf tournament the Point of Light presentation and Awards Ceremony took place at the Colony Hotel. Guests were greeted by belly dancers to keep up with the magic carpet ride theme.  A special appeal was made by Dale Arnold to raise funds to replace the carpet and driveway of Gary’s House, resulting in over $20,000 towards the cause. Performance speed painter Tim Decker did a live painting of the Statue of Liberty to “Proud to be an American” that brought chills and standing ovation from guests. Velma Hayes was presented the Point of Light Award by foundress Trudy McNeal for her years of dedication, volunteerism and support of Gary’s House and Stephen and Alicia Spenlinhauer were presented a plaque by Mercy Hospital CEO Eileen Skinner for their four years of Co-Chairing the event — the dining room at Gary’s House will now be called the The Spenlinhauer Family Dining Room.

Mainer Bob Crowley, left, and fellow contestant Susie Smith during the 2008 season of the CBS reality competition show “Survivor: Gabon.” (Jeffrey R. Staab/CBS Broadcasting Inc.)

Seth Koenig

About Seth Koenig

Seth has nearly a decade of professional journalism experience and writes about the greater Portland region.