PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Just as certain as Thanksgiving, winter storm watches and making holiday checklists are upon us, the Presque Isle Rotary Club is in its final planning days for the 60th annual Radio/TV Auction to be held Nov. 27-29 from 7-10 p.m. live from the Northeastland Hotel in Presque Isle.
This auction is a tradition in central Aroostook that literally spans generations with fond memories of previous years and great bargains and good bids for all the family.
This year is special, indeed, for several reasons. The obvious one is the ability for the Presque Isle Rotary Club to donate to so many worthy charities. On these three days, and for similar blocks of time for the last six decades, area businesses and residents have been “honorary” Rotarians in their own right, by generous giving and bidding on auction items. These auction participants meet the true spirit of Rotary, “Service above Self,” without question. PI Rotarians every year are awestruck by the giving nature of local businesses and people who want to help raise money for well-deserving local charities. Without the support of the greater communities in central Aroostook, this auction would not have enjoyed such positive momentum over the course of these many years.
“When I took on this task of coming up through the ranks of being a PI Rotary officer, my fellow Rotarians assured me that the community always comes together and it couldn’t be more true,” said senior auction co-chair, Alton Hartt. “Each year, times are tougher for people to give with increased costs associated to everything, but it never ceases to amaze me that they always step up to the plate when Rotarians seek merchandise or advertising for this cause.”
Hartt credits the forefathers of PI Rotary who laid the foundation 60 years ago for honest and ethical charitable practices through this auction venue, and the quality of the current men and women who belong to this community service organization.
“It takes the whole club to pull this off, from early organization, to solicitations, to merchandise collection, and working the auction … literally hundreds of hours go into this event,” said Jane Towle, auction co-chair. “Alton and I have just been amazed at the generosity and are really looking forward to making this yet another outstanding year for the charities we are supporting!”
No less important, and certainly very exciting for the Presque Isle Rotary Club, is the celebration of the golden anniversary of the Gold Brick commitment to the TAMC endowment fund. This 50th and final year is sure to be an exciting one as the goal comes closer and closer to being reached. Those many years ago, PI Rotarians saw a need in this community to support health care and a local hospital. Past and current Rotarians have worked diligently to fulfill the goals that were set. These current Rotarians have felt a strong sense of loyalty to those who went before them and their hope that the commitment they made in the 1950s would be upheld and honored by future Rotarians. It is truly a special acknowledgment to all those who believed in that promise and again, it couldn’t be done without the generosity of those who give bricks in the names of loved ones.
PI Rotarians are hoping that there may be those in the community who had family members in Rotary back in 1957 or beyond who were a part of that initial campaign and what a tribute it would be to now honor their spirit of community giving by donating a brick in their honor or memory.
Ray Hews and Joy Barresi-Saucier are the co-chairs of the Gold Brick program and both agree this is a momentous occasion worthy of significant consideration for giving.
“The goal is getting close, but not close enough for comfort,” Hews said. “The commitment was made for 50 years and this is the 50th year. PI Rotary has been faithful in its efforts and it would be a shame for it to end without reaching the intended goal.
“Joy and I are hopeful that people will help us end this campaign with complete success. Neighbors, children, or siblings of those who were a part of this original group of forward-thinking Rotarians might consider pooling together to help reach the goal,” he said.
This is such an important part of what PI Rotary has done, and pledges or donations can be made in advance by contacting any Rotarian or by calling the regular auction number and simply asking to make a Gold Brick Pledge.
This year’s regular auction proceeds will support six charities – C.A.N.C.E.R, Homeless Services of Aroostook, Nordic Heritage Sports Club, Star City ATV Club, Aroostook Football, and the Spragueville Extension.
Many items fill the pages of the booklet which can be found from any Rotarian or online at www.PresqueIsleRotary.org and some great Three Night Specials of incredible deals are featured, a sampling of which include a diamond pendant, kayak packages, four tickets to a New England Patriot’s game, 6 x 10 Sauna building, and so much more.
An additional feature of this event is the Art Auction which features local artists, including an artist that will create a unique piece during the auction itself to be available for bids as it is developing before the bidder’s eyes.
The Auction will be accessible by radio at WCXU, and by television on Time Warner Channel 9. Bidders can call 764-6181 or 1-866-902-2003, or join in the fun from Copper’s Lounge at the Northeastland Hotel where TVs will be turned to the auction and you can join in the fun with PI Rotarians to celebrate this milestone year of auction successes.
