By Nancy Ketch
Special to the Houlton Pioneer Times
HOULTON — The Houlton Rotary Club has declared that its 58th annual Radio & TV Auction was another big success. This year, the event grossed more than $56,000, which includes money from the bidding, sale of oil raffle tickets, advertising, sponsorships and donations, as well as the sale of two Boy & the Boot statues for the Houlton Regional Health Services Foundation.
After expenses are paid, proceeds from the auction will benefit a variety of organizations and causes. The largest donation will go to the Houlton Elementary School for construction of a new basketball court for their playground.
Funds will also go to the Backpacks for Kids program providing food for those in need, Cary Library, McGill’s Community Band for their new storage building and the Dominican Clean Water Project. Other projects and agencies receiving funding from Rotary are Aid For Kids, Sarah’s House, Maliseets, Adopt A Block, Bird Farm and the Quantum Learning program. Rotary’s other charities include Dollars For Scholars at all area schools, Salvation Army, Student Recognition Day, youth baseball and the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.
“We are thrilled with the success of the auction and the generosity of the community allowing us to fund such worthwhile projects that will have an impact on individuals locally and worldwide,” said Rotary President Lori Weston.
The annual auction is Houlton Rotary’s largest fundraiser each year and requires the work of all 72 club members, and the support of area businesses and individuals.
“We can’t thank the community enough for their continued support of this project … from those who donate items, sponsor and advertise to those who bid and purchase the goods,” said Auction Chair Amy Hocking. “It is a true community event and it wouldn’t be possible without all of this generosity.”
