LIVERMORE — A new fundraiser is being planned this summer to support the A-T Children’s Project.

A barbecue, live auction and barn dance are planned to start at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 23, at Boothby’s Orchard and Farm Winery, 366 Boothby Road, Livermore.

The new event replaces the Hope With Every Step 5K and Family Fun Day that has been held in the fall for the past eight years.

Nationally, fewer than 500 children have A-T (Ataxia Telangiectasia). In Maine, only teenage siblings Brooke and Josh Brochu of Jay and 11-year-old Emmy Rowles of Lewiston have the disease.

Lisa Brochu, the mother of Brooke and Josh, said something new was planned this year because the trio have outgrown bounce houses.

The menu for the 4 to 6:30 p.m. family barbecue includes chicken and pulled pork, Calzolaio Pasta Co.’s macaroni and cheese plus all the fixings. The Veggies will provide music for the over-21 barn dance, starting at 7:30 p.m.

During the barbecue, Hollow Way Photography will offer professional sessions. The $30 session fee, donated to ATCP, includes access to a digital proofing gallery and one 8-by-10-inch print. 

A live auction, held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., will include are a variety of gift certificates, a live piglet, an industrial-size popcorn machine, fireworks and more.

Advance tickets are available online at www.atcp.org/BarnDance, or at the door. Discounts are offered for purchasing advance tickets and for those who attend multiple events.

This year ATCP will fund a $1.8 million gene therapy trial for one child with A-T, said Brochu.

“A-T shortens life expectancy,” Lisa Brochu said. “For us, the most important thing is the gene therapy. It’s the first time they’ll potentially stop the progression of the disease.

“I hope the costs will go down so more children can participate. The drug needs to be manufactured for each child. As more is learned, I hope it will become more affordable and available. I hope it works like they hope it will.”

For more information, contact Lisa Brochu at lbrochu@myfairpoint.net

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net 

Hope With Every Step will hold a barbecue, live auction and barn dance fundraiser for the A-T Children’s Project from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday, June 23, at Boothby’s Orchard, 366 Boothby Road in Livermore. Three children in Maine have Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T). They are Brooke, left, and Josh Brochu of Jay and Emmy Rowles, center, of Lewiston. (Courtesy photo)