Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Some amazing items were auctioned off during this fall’s Ducks Unlimited dinner and auction, an annual event held to raise funds for wetlands preservation to ensure such habitats remain intact for wildlife and future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. From limited-edition wildlife prints to a rifle and handcrafted decoys, there was something for everyone at the annual fund-raiser.
Ducks Unlimited is a national organization whose goal is the preservation wetlands and the waterfowl that call such areas home. The organization is a strong promoter of hunter safety and encourages families to enjoy the activity together. Youth who participate in DU activities are recognized as “greenwings.”
The chair of Maine’s division of DU, Churchill Barton, was on hand for this year’s fund-raiser. He said he and his daughters have been involved with the organization for a number of years and enjoy the time they share together.
“I’m originally from Florida. My wife’s family’s from Maine. We live in Auburn now. I started taking my daughters to Ducks Unlimited dinners when they were eight years old. They’ve told me DU is the ‘coolest thing going.’ The organization allows families to enjoy time outdoors together. It teaches responsible hunting and respect for the land and wildlife,” said Barton.
Barton said the organization provides useful information on ways individuals can make a difference, encourages families to spend time together and helps protect nature’s delicate balance. But none of this would be possible without the generous donation of time given each year by DU volunteers.
“Information about the organization and news on a state-by-state basis can be found by visiting www.ducks.org. We’re always in need of volunteers to help promote responsible use of wetlands, by outdoor enthusiasts, neighboring property owners. Folks don’t realize how their actions can impact others. Spills can contaminate ground water and other waterways. We can make a difference if we work together,” said Barton.
This year’s event, held at the Northeastland Hotel in Presque Isle, offered participants a chance to win prizes while playing a variety of games, gave bidders an opportunity to try to outdo others during the silent auction portion of the evening, provided a scrumptious dinner, followed by the main event of the evening — an auction featuring over two dozen items for bid, ranging from a child’s rocking chair to cutlery and an assortment of wildlife prints. Bert Winslow served as auctioneer.
“This year we raised about $9,500, after expenses,” said Nick Archer, an event organizer.
Barton said a major portion of the money is used to promote responsible use of wetlands.
“About 82 cents of every dollar goes to the cause,” said Barton.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A VARIETY OF ITEMS, from wildlife prints to cutlery, were auctioned off during the annual Ducks Unlimited dinner and auction held this fall at the Northeastland Hotel in Presque Isle. Here, Jim Graemlich holds up a print as Bert Winslow, the evening’s auctioneer, looks to the audience for the next bid.
