Bush family helps set fundraising record for Northern Light Mercy Hospital’s Gary’s House

Date: 06/26/2025

Northern Light Mercy Hospital is proud to announce a record-breaking $475,000 raised during the 30th annual Bush Family Golf Classic, held earlier this month to benefit Gary’s House—a Mercy program that provides no or low-cost accommodations to families and loved ones of patients receiving medical care in greater Portland. 

Event photos, courtesy of Richard Sawyer Photography, are available for download here. 
 
The two-day event took place at the Nonantum Resort and Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport, honoring three decades of compassion, generosity, and community support inspired by the late President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush, who helped launch the tournament. Sports celebrities and several generations of the Bush family continue to support the cause with grandchildren Marshall Bush and Robert Koch serving as this year’s honorary co-chairs. 
 
Founded in memory of Kennebunk teenager Gary Pike, who passed away from cancer in 1991, Gary’s House was created to fulfill Gary’s dream of easing the burden on families facing medical crises far from home. Gary’s mother, Trudy McNeal, founded the program and continues to help raise funds for the Portland hospitality home. Since opening its doors in 1998, Gary’s House has served thousands of families, entirely through private support. The Bush Family Golf Classic remains its largest and most critical source of funding. 
 
“This milestone year is a powerful reminder of the compassion that has carried Gary’s House forward for over two decades,” said Melissa Skahan, vice president of mission integration at Northern Light Mercy Hospital. “The generosity shown through this event ensures families experiencing some of life’s most difficult moments can stay close to their loved ones without added financial worry. The impact is immediate, and often, life changing.” 
 
Since its founding, the Bush Family Classic has raised more than $5 million to support Gary’s House and uphold the spirit of comfort and dignity it was built upon.