HHS alumni light up the phone lines

By Karen Donato
StaffWriter
    The Houlton High School Alumni Association conducted their sixth annual fund-raising campaign recently. As part of this campaign, a direct mail piece was sent out to alumni earlier in the fall that gave an update of projects the organization has committed to and invited former students to join in supporting the future projects, including scholarships.
     Then under the leadership of Jerry York, Jon McLaughlin, Paul Porter and Nancy Ketch, alumni president, team members met at York’s of Houlton and F.A. Peabody Insurance Company to utilize the many phone lines available at the businesses.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
ON THE TEAM — Just a few years ago Dave Hill would have been participating on a sports team at Houlton High School, but now he has joined the Houlton High Alumni team.
    Lists of high school alumni were divided between the callers and the evening began with some reconnecting with classmates they may not have spoken to since high school.
    Even though the economic times are challenging, McLaughlin said the committee was pleased with the outcome. As of December 4, $24,000 had been raised through both the mailer and phonathon.
    McLaughlin said, “We made 3,300 calls, reaching and securing 448 pledges and we also sold 20 auditorium seats.”
    For the past three years there has been a follow-up night of calling in February to reach those who may not have been reached in December. That is also planned for this year.
    “We usually pick up another 200 or so pledges which is valued at $6,000-$7,000,” said McLaughlin.
    This pledge money from the annual fund is combined with proceeds from the endowment fund to support various projects for Houlton High School and for scholarships presented in June. Graduating seniors received more than $46,000 in scholarship money from the alumni association this past spring.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
MAKING CALLS  — Nancy Thompson Caron participated in the recent Houlton High School phonathon held at York’s of Houlton. Team members often speak with former students living in all parts of the world, which leads to many interesting conversations.
    The association offers several ways to donate including the planned giving program. You can leave a legacy for future Houlton High School generations and benefit your own personal and financial goals.
    For more information, contact Patty Fitzpatrick at 538-9653 or e-mail mslittleton@pioneercable.net.