Proceeds from wine-tasting event
to aid Humane Society
PRESQUE ISLE — Friends of Central Aroostook Humane Society and Momentum Aroostook are again teaming up with The Crow’s Nest to present the third annual “A Toast for the Animals” — a Wine Tasting and Silent Auction event taking place on Friday, Nov. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and proceeds will benefit the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
A ticket to the event, which will be held at The Crow’s Nest Event Center in Presque Isle, will provide participants with four wine samples and an opportunity to learn about different wines and how to pair them. Each wine will be presented with an appropriate food pairing to showcase the flavors of the different varietals.
The evening’s activities also will include live music, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction with a huge variety of exciting items, such as a pair of locally-made Adirondack chairs, Vera Bradley handbags, original artwork, a handmade quilt and many gift certificates from generous local merchants. The evening’s featured items include a framed painting by artist Tim Gagnon, gift certificates for two hot air balloon rides during the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, a night’s stay at the Castle Inn in Perth Andover, a night’s stay at the Hampton Inn in Presque Isle and a date night package for dinner and a movie. Items for the auction have been donated by community members and local businesses.
“The Toast for the Animals has quickly become a tradition, and we couldn’t be happier about that,” Friends group coordinator Hollie Gowen said. “It is such a fun night, and we’ve gotten great feedback from the people who’ve attended the last two years. We’re hoping this year will be the best yet. Our goal is to have 200 people turn out and to raise $7,500. The money raised will go toward some much-needed building improvements at the shelter.”
A new air exchange system at the shelter is one of the main projects that the Friends group hopes to help fund with the proceeds from this event. The system barely functions right now, leading to humidity, odors and air quality issues in some of the rooms. This can lead to illnesses among the cats, as well as discomfort for the animals, staff, volunteers and visitors.
“There are days I walk in there and my glasses instantly fog up,” Gowen said. “People will complain about the moisture in the air and the smells, but there is nothing the staff can do to combat those problems without a better air exchange system.”
Friends of Central Aroostook Humane Society is a group of volunteers who help with fundraisers and events, as well as spread the word about adoptable animals, upcoming events and shelter happenings. The group is kept up-to-date through periodic emails and a meeting once per quarter. The group was founded in 2010. For more information about Friends of Central Aroostook Humane Society, send an e-mail to friendsofCAHS@yahoo.com.
“Momentum Aroostook is pleased to once again be partnering with Friends of Central Aroostook Humane Society, as well as The Crow’s Nest, to host this special event for the community,” Momentum Aroostook Steering Committee Chair Scott Violette said. “This is an excellent opportunity not only for networking and enjoying a night on the town, but also raising money for an excellent cause.”
Momentum Aroostook is a diverse network of friends, business associates and individuals who are active in the community. Its mission is to provide opportunities for Aroostook County residents through professional and social events that highlight the advantages of working and living in northern Maine. The organization has three areas of focus: business and networking, charity and philanthropy, and sports and social opportunities. The typical member is 21-45 years old, but those young-at-heart are always welcome. For more information about Momentum Aroostook, visit www.momentumaroostook.com.
Tickets for the Nov. 9 event can be purchased in advance at The Crow’s Nest and the Central Aroostook Humane Society. You must be at least 21 years old to attend and proper ID is required. Dress for this event is business casual. For more information about this event or to RSVP, call Rachel Rice at 768-9452, e-mail rachel.rice@umpi.edu or check out the event on Facebook.
