Special to The Star-Herald
PRESQUE ISLE — UMPI was the place to be on Saturday, Sept. 12, as The CAUSE (Central Aroostook United for Student Emergencies) held its first annual fund-raiser at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Campus Center.
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
PROMOTING “THE CAUSE” — Radio celebrities Bob Lacey, left; Lamar, center, and Sheri Lynch, at right, greet the folks that attended the Celebrity Social and Auction at UMPI on Saturday, Sept. 12. The event raised approximately $11,000 for “The CAUSE,” a benefit for school children in need in the central Aroostook area.
With nationally-syndicated radio celebrities Lamar, Bob (Lacey) and Sheri (Lynch) on hand to help, the silent and live auctions raised over $11,000 for students in need.
While attendees enjoyed looking over the many auction items, local educators circulated throughout the room, offering guests a variety of delicious appetizers. As people enjoyed the social time, people also had a chance to meet with Bob, Sheri and Lamar, as well as Tony Garcia, assistant vice president of syndication for the syndicated radio talk show, “Bob and Sheri.”
Participants could purchase one of 50 keys for a chance to open the lock securing a beautiful pair of 14K white gold diamond “huggie” earrings, donated by Wilder’s Jewelry, valued at $895. When the time came to open the padlock, many key holders eagerly tried their keys before Lois White opened the lock.
Lynch delivered a keynote address and spoke of her empathy for at-risk students, as she was once one of them.
“Schools can be a very tough place for at-risk and under-privileged children, as there is so much judging on the externals. If you don’t wear the right things or have the right supplies, a student can feel very ostracized by their peers,” said Lynch. “A student can find it very hard to concentrate on their studies when they feel different.”
Local teachers are very aware of their students’ situations and know which ones need a helping hand. It may be school supplies, eyeglasses, clothing or some other item. Many teachers do what they can but aren’t able to do everything that is needed without help.
Lynch became aware in her own life that she had “invisible angels” who stepped in to make a difference in her life from time to time.
“I received a coat and some school supplies at various times when I needed them — at times when my own family was unable to supply them,” Lynch said.
Due to the support of some of her best teachers, she realized that she could do whatever she wanted in life.
“I vowed then to pass on the same help when I could,” said Lynch, vowing to continue to pay it forward, encouraging others to do so as well. “I appreciate the fact we live in a country where a child can turn their circumstances around and go places. There are many ways to help make their journey a bit easier.”
The CAUSE fund-raiser, she said, is one way to help — one student at a time.
“You’ll never know what each small act of kindness will accomplish. Together, we can make a difference. We may not do a great thing, and we can’t do everything, but we can each do something,” said Lynch.
Following Lynch’s wonderful, inspiring words, UMPI President Don Zillman took the microphone and became the auctioneer, offering up for bid over 40 items that had been donated to The CAUSE. Many thanks went to Bob Lacey for being one of the first bidders, bidding on a beautiful set of Harmony House china, valued between $1,200 and $1,500.
Lamar was a big help with the auction, drawing bigger and bigger bids from folks with his witty commentary. He was especially lively with the final item up for bid — breakfast with him on Sunday morning for eight at a local home. This item went for $350. The losing bidder actually became a winner, when she was invited to join them for breakfast. By the end of the evening, a combined total of about $11,000 was raised through the silent and live auctions, benefiting Aroostook County students through CAUSE.
Organizers wish to express many thanks to everyone who planned this event. A big thank-you also goes out to all those who donated, attended the social and bid on items at both the silent and live auction. The funds raised will be put to good use in area schools — and the students will be the ultimate winners.
(Staff Writer Kathy McCarty contributed to this article.)
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
AUCTION AIDS COUNTY YOUTH — UMPI President Dr. Donald Zillman acted as the auctioneer during the live auction at UMPI on Saturday, Sept. 12. Proceeds were raised to benefit school children in need in central Aroostook County. With radio celebrity Lamar’s help, the live auction raised over $8,000 for The CAUSE.
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
Lois White turned the lucky key on a treasure of a 14K white gold pair of diamond huggie earrings, donated by Wilder’s Jewelry to support The CAUSE, benefiting area school children in need.
