Denim and diamonds to sparkle again
at United Way of Aroostook event
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Officials with the United Way of Aroostook are busy organizing the second annual Denim & Diamonds fundraiser, with proceeds going toward the agency’s fund-raising goal of just under a half million dollars.
According to Campaign Chairperson Dan Bagley, the UWA’s Denim & Diamonds Event and annual meeting will be held Thursday, May 24, at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
“Attendees from all over northern Maine, New Brunswick and beyond are invited to wear their jeans with diamonds or ‘diamond-like bling’ and enjoy this casually-elegant evening,” said Bagley.
The event will feature a buffet, cocktails, silent and live auctions, and musical entertainment by 2012 Northern Star Megan Ouellette, of Clair, N.B., and the recently named Northern Star United group called The Triplets – made up of twin sisters Naomi and Nokomi Oakes-Ouellet and Ariane Richard from Clair and Lac Baker, N.B. Jason Parent will serve as master of ceremonies and auctioneer will be Matt Gregg.
A very brief business meeting will take place to elect new officers and board members. In addition, announcements will be made of the allocations awards.
“The Denim & Diamonds Event will be an entertaining and fun way to push us closer to this year’s campaign goal of $470,000. The evening will feature an elaborate and wide range of silent auction items, a live auction, entertainment, and an elegant array of food and beverage offerings,” explained Bagley.
Like last year, keys will be sold with one lucky key holder gaining access to a fantastic bauble.
“The evening’s event will conclude with determining the lucky winner of a valuable piece of jewelry which will be showcased throughout the evening under a locked dome. One of 150 keys will unlock the denim-lined glass case. Keys will be sold for $10 before and during the festivities,” said Claudia Stevens, UWA executive director. “Once all the keys are sold, individuals will check their keys to see if they have the key to unlock the authentic bling.”
All proceeds from the Denim & Diamonds Event benefit the UWA general fund, which are distributed to various programs throughout Aroostook County.
“Those in attendance are encouraged to wear their best dress denim with elegant diamonds, cubic zirconium, rhinestones, pearls or flashy costume jewels. Another option is to wear a favorite outfit with jewel-studded denim and leather,” said Stevens.
“All fashion combinations are acceptable – the brighter the better,” added Stevens.
Over 170 people attended last year’s fundraiser, which raised about $13,200 for UWA, after expenses.
Tickets to the Denim & Diamonds Event are $20 per person or a table of eight for $150. For tickets and additional information, call Stevens at the UWA office, 764-5197, or e-mail acunited@mfx.net.
