United Way struggles to reach fund-raising goal
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Officials with the United Way of Aroostook continue to pursue the agency’s goal of raising $520,000 to aid those in need throughout the County.
To date, the organization has raised about 94 percent of the funds necessary to meet this year’s goal.
“United Way of Aroostook’s first Denim & Diamonds Gala, held April 9 at the Crow’s Nest, was a huge success,” said Campaign Chair Virginia Joles.
The event was well-attended, according to Joles, who said 172 people “dressed in denim and diamonds or diamond-like bling to attend the event, which raised approximately $13,200, after expenses.”
Joles said this put the campaign at 92 percent ($478,444) of the agency’s $520,000 goal. Additional funds have come in since the gala to bring the total to about 94 percent.
“It was a fabulous evening, elegant, entertaining, fun and successful. I extend a big thank you to those businesses and individuals who contributed items and participated in the event,” Joles said.
Components of the evening included 59 silent auction items and 23 live auction items presented by auctioneers United Way President Don Zillman and Master of Ceremonies Lamar Richardson, of the syndicated radio talk show “Bob and Sheri.”
“It was great fun. More tickets were sold than expected,” said Zillman.
Zillman was pleasantly surprised with the turnout.
“Going in I thought $8,000 to $10,000 would be good, for the short time we had to put everything together. The spirit of the thing was neat. Everyone got into the ‘denim and diamond’ part,” he said. “We were more successful with the auction than anticipated.”
Nearly $6,000 was raised through the live auction, with over $2,500 raised with the silent auction.
“We’re nearing our goal but still have a ways to go. The campaign ends June 30,” Zillman said. “We still have a golf tournament coming up in the Valley. We should at least come close, if we don’t reach our goal.”
Zillman said the UWA has received the bulk of its big contributions.
“We’re on target and very satisfied, given the economic climate in the nation. It’s been a tough year for fund-raising,” said Zillman, noting the gala served its purpose well. “This has every look of a keeper, both from the financial side and having fun.”
He said the UWA is always looking for suggestions on ways to improve its fund-raising efforts and the services it provides. Zillman said the gala proved to be a great way to combine fun with the more serious side of fund-raising. He said some of the gifts were rather unique and garnered a lot of attention.
“One of my favorites was the botox package. Lamar had fun with that. We also had a couple of signed football helmets. One of the highest bids over estimated value was for Scott Carlin’s IGA steak/lobster deal,” said Zillman.
A local playwright’s work was of particular interest to Zillman.
“One of my favorite auction items was John Cariani’s autographed script and poster,” he said.
No diamond-oriented gala would be complete without the crowning of royalty.
“Sharon Campbell was named queen after raising $1,469. Ariana Patterson was named Denim & Diamonds princess after raising $1,213,” said Joles.
The event also featured a special prize for which keys were sold for $10.
“Tanya LaPointe was found to be the holder of the winning key out of 143 keys sold at $10 each. The key unlocked the box containing diamond earrings valued at $1,500, donated in partnership by Wilder’s Jewelry Store and the UWA,” said Joles.
In addition to the gems and jewels, one of the treasured auction items was Breakfast with Lamar.
“This was underwritten by Citadel Broadcasting’s Q96.1 (the station that airs ‘Bob and Sheri’ weekday mornings). Lamar joined successful bidder Scot Carlin and 11 friends for brunch at a private home the following morning,” said Joles. “Conversation was lively and most entertaining with Lamar, who has regaled radio audiences with his Southern-flavored movie reviews for more than eight years.”
“Jane Towle hosted the breakfast with Lamar. The guest list kept expanding. There was great interest in that,” added Zillman.
The Denim & Diamonds Gala Committee consisted of Wanda Guiggey, Lisa Miles, Virginia Joles, Terry Hallowell, Sherry Jackson and UWA Executive Director Claudia Stevens.
Only about six weeks remain for the UWA to reach its fund-raising goal.
“It’s been a difficult year because of the economy. The United Way will continue its fund-raising efforts trying to reach $520,000 by the end of June,” said Joles, noting officials are hopeful the June golf tournament in the St. John Valley will help close the fund-raising gap.
For more information about UWA or to make a donation, contact 764-5197.
