PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Rotary Club of Presque Isle is thrilled to announce an exciting new twist for this year’s fundraising efforts: a basket raffle during the highly anticipated Crown of Maine Balloon Fest on Aug. 22-23 at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds.
Replacing the club’s traditional auction format, the basket raffle invites local businesses, organizations and individuals to donate themed “baskets” (not necessarily in baskets — any container or arrangement works!) valued at approximately $200 or more. Raffle goers will have the opportunity to view these creative collections in person and drop tickets into buckets for the prizes they hope to win.
“Our Rotary Auction has such a rich history in our community, but times have changed, and our club is finding its new way forward. We’ve tried a couple of things in recent years as we search for the right fit, and we believe this basket raffle has the potential to become a great new tradition for us,” said Karen Gonya, president of the club and co-chair of the raffle. “Hosting our raffle at the balloon festival will have the added benefit of giving thousands of community members and visitors easy access to view our amazing entries and try to win the ones they want to bring home with them.”
All proceeds from the raffle will support three incredible local causes:
Presque Isle Parks & Recreation’s Peace Park Revitalization Project
Zippel Elementary School’s Outdoor Learning Classroom
ACAP’s Backpack Program, which provides essential supplies to students in need
The Rotary Club’s goal is to raise up to $3,000 for each project, directly benefiting youth and families throughout Aroostook County. Any additional funds raised will support the Club’s ongoing activities and regular donations to support various projects by other organizations that benefit the community.
Basket themes range from Backyard Fun and S’more Summer Nights to Basketball Fun, County Made, gardening and more. Even if donors can’t assemble a full basket, contributions toward “community baskets” or the fall online auction are welcome.
Event schedule:
Raffle set-up: Thursday, Aug. 21 2–6 p.m.
Raffle open to the public: Friday, Aug. 22 4–8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 23 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Winner pick-up: Sunday, Aug, 24 9–11:30 a.m.
“We appreciate the unwavering support we have received from local businesses and community members as we work to establish a fresh version of our historic auction,” shared event co-chair Melinda Barnard. “No matter our approach, it has been the generous donation of items from local businesses and the enthusiastic participation of community members that have made our efforts a success over the years.”
Interested in donating a basket or item? Visit presqueislerotary.org/rotaryraises or email us at rotaryclubpresqueisle@gmail.com.
Let’s come together as a community, have some fun, and raise funds for these vital local initiatives!
