Presque Isle Rotary Club gearing up for 60th annual auction

    PRESQUE ISLE – The anticipation of the 60th annual Presque Isle Rotary Club TV/Radio Auction is upon us. The entire Presque Isle Rotary Club is excited about the amazing merchandise and gift certificates that are available this year. The auction will be held Tuesday, Nov. 27, Wednesday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Nov. 29, live from the Northeastland Hotel in downtown Presque Isle.     This year, the Rotary Club is donating money to outstanding groups like C.A.N.C.E.R, Nordic Heritage Sport Club, Star City ATV Club, Aroostook Football, Homeless Service of Aroostook and the Spragueville Extension.
    The club has been well known in the central Aroostook area for six decades of putting “service above self,” a Rotary International motto. Auction co-chair Alton Hartt said it is one reason that he so strongly believes in his membership to the club.
    “When I look around the room at our meetings and see all the energy and willingness to step up for the betterment of the community,” he said, “I am really proud to be part of such a wonderful organization.”
    Co-chair Jane Towle summed it up by saying, “This club epitomizes the giving nature of the county. It never fails to amaze me how many people within the club and the community simply say, ‘What can I do to help?’ It is truly a group effort.”
    The benefiting groups will use this year’s proceeds for a wide array of projects. This would not be able to happen without the continued support of local businesses.
    The Presque Isle Rotary club hopes they can count on community support by participation in the upcoming auction by looking at booklets ahead of time, marking the fantastic items that would make lovely holiday gifts, while at the same time making a difference to these benevolent organizations.
    “When a caller makes a bid, we hope they keep in mind that, although bargains are everyone’s favorite, bidding close to the asking price is helpful. The higher you bid, the more likely that the club reaches our goal,” said Hartt. “Bidders should also know that debit and credit cards are accepted at the storeroom when you pick up your merchandise, so you can bid knowing that you have payment options.”
    The club works hard to ensure that it will be an enjoyable shopping experience for the viewers and bidders. Officials hope – once again, like the 59 years before – the central Aroostook area will support this club and its recipient organizations on their 60th auction event.
    “It is important to remember that without the countless merchandise, gift certificates, cash donations and advertising, there would be no auctions,” said Towle. “So please help us by saying thank you to local businesses whose generosity each year is phenomenal.”
    She suggests checking the booklet, noticing the business names listed throughout, and considering stopping by their establishments to buy locally. Both Hartt and Towle are honored to be the voice of the Presque Isle Rotary club this year, and hope that faithful bidders and novice bidders alike have one thing in common … “that they participate Nov. 27-29, call often, and bid high!”