Rockin’ Raft-Up concert returns to benefit Camp Sunshine

By Ed Pierce

To help a cause worthy of support, the 2nd Annual Rockin’ Raft-Up for Camp Sunshine is returning with a one-of-a-kind raft-up benefit concert on Sunday, July 26 on Sebago Lake.

Doin Campbell, right, of the Don Campell Band, and Andi
Fawcett of the After Dark band will perform during the 2nd
Annual Rockin' Raft Up benefit concert for Camp Sunshine
at Boaters Beach, also known as Rich Memorial Beach, in
Standish at noon on Sunday, Aug. 10.
COURTESY PHOTO 

The event brings hundreds of boaters together on the water to enjoy live music while also raising funds to support Camp Sunshine in Casco and its mission to provide hope, joy and community through unique experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. More than 60,000 children, siblings, parents and caregivers from all 50 states and 27 different countries have attended fun-filled, year-round sessions at Camp Sunshine with other families just like theirs and thanks to the generous support of donors and fundraisers such as the Rockin’ Raft-Up concert, its program remains 100 percent free for participants.

According to organizer Kristen DeQuattro, during this year’s Rockin’ Raft-Up, the Don Campbell Band and the After Dark band with popular singer Andi Fawcett will perform.

Assisted by members of the Sebago Boating Club, the 2nd Annual Rockin’ Raft-up concert will be held at noon at Boaters Beach, also known as Rich Memorial Beach in Standish with donations welcomed to benefit Camp Sunshine.

This family friendly, and entertaining concert asks boaters to raft up, float, and enjoy an afternoon of live music, lake vibes, and giving back all to support Camp Sunshine.

“It’s a chance for the Sebago boating community to come together for a great cause while enjoying what they love most which is being on the water, connecting with friends, and great live music,” said DeQuattro.

Camp Sunshine programs are 100 percent free for participants. Camp Sunshine is where families can focus on recharging, together, in a safe space with medical support available and a place where families discover a community who understand, and families find family, DeQuattro said.

With decades of dedication and expertise, Camp Sunshine staff and volunteers at each session put families at ease. Families can set their worries aside knowing that there is a physician on site. Camp Sunshine is a place where families can really relax and let staff and volunteers take care of every member of the family.

​Meeting with other families who face the same issues, large and small, is a unique benefit of the Camp Sunshine experience. While attending one of the year-round sessions offered at Camp Sunshine, families can enjoy a wide range of activities with up to 40 other families. Whether it’s reaching the top of the climbing wall, swimming in the lake, or enjoying a horse-drawn wagon ride during a winter session, there is fun for every member of the family.

As a musician, Don Campbell’s mandate is to “Always perform for the audience, never at them.” He pleases listeners, venue buyers and event organizers with well-attended and memorable concerts and shows continued strength in music sales.

Campbell is a highly talented multi-instrumentalist and plays acoustic guitar, piano, B3 organ, bass, electric guitar, nylon string guitar, mandolin and harmonica in recordings. His music has been described as feeling like a friend, a natural extension of the singer-songwriter.

He performs nearly 200 shows per year and resides in Portland but says he is grateful to be able to give back to others through the Rockin’ Raft Up concert.

Fawcett is a seasoned performer and powerhouse vocalist who has been captivating audiences for over two decades.

Known for her dynamic stage presence and versatile vocal styling, she has fronted a number of beloved acts, including funk-soul favorite Sly Chi, indie-pop outfit Doubting Gravity, and her latest venture, After Dark – a premier party band that blends cover tunes and soulful originals with a modern edge.

While Fawcett has a deep passion for writing original music, the foundation of her long-standing career lies in her live performances. Her solo act features a wide-ranging set of popular covers—from current hits to timeless classics. Whether it’s an intimate venue or a lively festival, Andi brings fresh energy and connection to every stage.

The Rockin’ Raft-Up concert on Sebago Lake is free to attend by boat and donations are encouraged and will be collected that day or by pledging an amount in advance at www.campsunshine.org. Every dollar raised goes directly to Camp Sunshine’s programs, providing hope and healing to families when they need it most.

To make a donation, for specific event details, and concert updates, go to https://charity.pledgeit.org/rockin-raftup or visit www.doncampbellmusic.com. <