Staff Writer
A fund-raiser is currently being held, in the form of a raffle, to benefit the TRiO Upward Bound program and the many students it works with.
“TRiO Upward Bound at the University of Maine at Presque Isle serves 120 students throughout Aroostook County. It is a non-profit organization that works with high school kids who wish to go to college,” said Kathrynn Reynolds-Portera, coordinator for the Upward Bound Parents Association. According to Reynolds-Portera, these students are living and attending 16 Aroostook County high schools.
“They are located in communities from Fort Kent to Houlton and Hodgdon,” said Reynolds-Portera.
Participants include students from the following schools: Ashland High School; Caribou High School; Central Aroostook High School; Easton High School; Fort Fairfield High School; Fort Kent High School; Hodgdon High School; Houlton High School; Katahdin High School; Limestone Community School; Madawaska High School; Presque Isle High School; Southern Aroostook High School; Van Buren High School; Washburn District High School; and Wisdom High School.
Reynolds-Portera said the organization hopes to gain supporters for the organization, particularly from the communities that already have students involved in the program.
“We hope readers in the area may be interested in supporting this event as it includes kids from their communities. The raffle proceeds will go directly to students in the program to help defer the college expenses they will face in the near future,” she said.
A number of prizes are being raffled off to raise much-needed funds for area youth who seek higher education.
“Raffle prizes are as follows: First prize is two nights for two at Portage Lake Camps; second is a lobster dinner for two from Graffam Brothers and third is a $100 gift certificate from Wal-Mart,” said Reynolds-Portera.
The drawing will be held June 29.
“Support is greatly appreciated. Funds raised will benefit Aroostook County students,” said Reynolds-Portera.
Raffle tickets are available from Upward Bound students or through Reynolds-Portera by calling 325-8828.
