Staff Writer
Winners of AMHC’s raffles, held in conjunction with the 6th annual Andy Santerre Sno-Run, came from miles apart, with one residing in Mapleton, while the other hailed from Rumford.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
The Andy Santerre Sno-Run festivities were made memorable thanks to the efforts of some key individuals. Pictured, from left: Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr.; Joe Chamberlain, event organizer; and Andy Santerre, who’s lent his name to the AMHC fund-raiser since its inception six years ago.
The lucky ticket holders were on hand Feb. 11 to accept their prizes — a handcrafted bird feeder built by Bill Landes, of Caribou, and a Polaris 120 Dragon youth snowmobile — at County Sports in Caribou. The bird feeder is valued at around $100, while the snowmobile sells for $2,400.
Allen Michaud, of Mapleton, said he thought he’d try his luck and bought a ticket the day of the event.
“I eyed the feeder over near the pool (at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center) the day of the Sno-Run. I was amazed by the intricate workmanship and thought my wife would like it, so I bought a ticket,” said Michaud.
He said his wife already had plans for placement of the bird feeder, once he got it home.
“She has a special place on the deck picked out for it. I may install LED lights around the roof of the feeder. Our deck’s lit up in red, white and blue. Putting lights on it will definitely brighten the deck and make for an interesting sight at night,” said Michaud.
Landes has been making feeders for AMHC to raffle off for a few years now, gifting another feeder to event organizer Joe Chamberlain for next year’s fund-raiser, just as this year’s creation was being presented to Michaud. He said he enjoys working with wood and seeing the pleasure his projects bring to others.
“A guy from New York and his brother bought several from me last year. I had a sale going on at my house last summer. They stopped and each bought five — said they were taking them home to give as Christmas gifts,” said Landes.
Over the years, Landes said he’s lost track of how many he’s made.
“I’ve lost count. I donated one for a hunters’ breakfast; Nancy Chandler got a couple for fund-raising for the Children’s Museum; and I gave another to the Caribou Chamber of Commerce,” said Landes. “I build them because it’s something I enjoy doing. I donate them knowing my work will help raise funds to help others.”
Chamberlain said donations like the feeder and youth snowmobile helped AMHC set a record this year, raising over $46,000 to help victims of sexual assault in Aroostook County.
“It’s nice to have the support of local craftsmen and businesses. Their generosity helps AMHC continue to make a difference in others’ lives,” said Chamberlain.
The winners of the child’s snowmobile, Della and John Robichaud, made the trip north to pick up their prize, falling in love with the area once they got here.
“We have several nieces and nephews in mind — on great-niece in particular,” said Della Robichaud, when asked whom she had in mind for the sled.
According to Robichaud, she and her husband had bought tickets, never expecting to win but rather purchasing them to help the cause.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
Local residents had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with Jeffrey Earnhardt at AMHC’s annual fund-raiser in Caribou. Pictured, from left: Danny Raymond and Gary Merritt, both of Caribou, and Earnhardt. This was Raymond’s first time attending the event and Merritt’s third time participating. The men took part in Andy Santerre Sno-Run ride, dinner and auction.
“We have apartments. An employee of ours, who works at the apartments, came to the County — his girlfriend’s sister works for AMHC. His girlfriend brought some tickets back and sold them around the Rumford and Mexico area. We bought 10 tickets,” said Robichaud.
The couple were anxious to get the machine home so their niece could start riding it.
“My niece just got a sled and she really enjoyed riding. I can’t wait to get some pics of my great-niece using it. She’s four years old and loves it,” she said.
She said while this is her and her husband’s first trip to the area, it definitely won’t be their last.
“This is our first trip up. We’ll probably come up every winter. It looks like you have some great trails here and hospitality has been great everywhere we’ve gone,” said Robichaud.
Dave Moreau, sales/technician with County Sports, explained the safety features to the Robichauds.
“The Polaris Dragon 120 comes with a kill switch, with a tether that attaches to a child’s coat. If they fall off, the tether will pull the switch, killing the engine. You can also govern it to adjust speed. The maximum speed is about 15 mph,” said Moreau. “They’re designed for youth to use in a yard, not on a trail.”
Chamberlain said plans are under way for next year’s event, with hopes to set yet another record.
“We’re busy planning next year’s ride, dinner and auction. This year’s was amazing, but we’re hopeful we can top it. The more we raise, the more people we’ll be able to help,” said Chamberlain.
For more information, call AMHC’s Sexual Assault Services toll-free at 800-550-3304 to learn about how you too may get involved with the annual Sno-Run event, provide funding support or get assistance.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
Young racing fans enjoyed the autograph session during the Andy Santerre Sno-Run festivities at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center Feb. 6. Pictured, from left: Jeffrey Earnhardt; Alex Picard, 6, and Jaden Picard, 4, brothers from Caribou who attended the event with their dad, Mario Picard; and Andy Santerre. A broken sled prevented the Picards from taking part in the ride but Mario indicated he and the boys enjoyed the poolside festivities.
