Presque Isle Historical Society hosts Unbanquet
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Most fundraisers involve organizations setting a time and place for a dinner or some type of function that requires participants to dress for the occasion, not to mention scheduling hair appointments, babysitters and watching the weather service — should it be a winter event — to see if driving will be feasible, then worrying a cancellation will throw all your plans out the window.
Members of the Presque Isle Historical Society board of directors have taken all these concerns into consideration when planning their latest fund-raising banquet.
“This is our third annual Unbanquet. We’ve sent ‘invitations’ telling recipients they are not invited, so please do not come,” said Kim Smith, treasurer for the non-profit organization.
Smith said by doing this, money raised goes entirely toward Historical Society projects — making this a completely no-frills occasion.
“The board of directors cordially invites individuals to not come to the third annual Unbanquet. There will be no speakers to listen to, no rubber chicken dinner to eat. You will not need to buy a new outfit, find a babysitter or go out into the cold,” said Smith.
“Instead, we ask you to sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home and consider how you would like to help us on our continuing journey of restoring the historic fire station into a wonderful cultural center and historical museum,” continued Smith.
Much work remains to make the fire station an inviting place for visitors to peruse memorabilia from the Star City’s past. Smith said donations will help speed the process along.
“With help from donors, we will be successful in opening our doors to the public and offering many wonderful programs for all ages,” said Smith.
Donations can be sent to: Presque Isle Historical Society, PO Box 285, Presque Isle, ME 04769. For more information, call 762-1151 or e-mail pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com.
