Spud Speedway presents third annual Racing
to Save a Life event to raise funds for Red Cross
CARIBOU — With the economy posing financial challenges for many people, free groceries, heating oil, electricity and gasoline would appeal to most everyone.
Contributed photo
LISA JENKINS, summer intern at Cary Medical Center’s public relations department, is set up to give Aroostook Centre Mall customers the opportunity to win big and help the local Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. 
Board members and volunteers with the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter are currently selling raffle tickets as part of the third annual Racing to Save a Life fundraiser. This year’s grand prize is valued at $1,000.
As part of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter’s third annual Racing to Save a Life raffle, someone will win a Survive and Thrive package valued at $1,000. Aldeo and Rina Belanger of Madawaska won this grand prize package last year.
“It’s a challenging time for many people with the cost of so many things on the rise, that we wanted to give people the opportunity to win something practical,” said Scott Johnson, Racing to Save a Life chair. “Whether you rent an apartment or own your own home, the Survive and Thrive package can help anyone.”
The package includes $300 in groceries donated by Star City IGA, 100 gallons in heating oil from Dead River Co., a $250 certificate for Maine Public Service/Bangor Hydro, and a $150 gas card for Daigle Oil Co.
Joining the American Red Cross to sponsor Racing to Save a Life are Spud Speedway, Inc., WAGM-TV, Star City IGA, Thompson-Hamel, LLC, Social Envy Image & Event Consulting, The County Federal Credit Union, United Insurance, Dead River Co. and Griffeth Ford-Lincoln-Mitsubishi-Honda.
“Keeping with the racing theme, Clukey’s Auto Supply has once again generously donated two tickets to the September NASCAR race in Loudon, N.H. For anyone who has never been to the New Hampshire track, it’s a beautiful facility and always a lot of fun and excitement,” said Johnson. “This is a great prize for any race fan.”
Other donated raffle prizes include a “date night” package including an overnight stay at the Hampton Inn in Presque Isle and dinner for two at The Crow’s Nest valued at $200, a $125 Walmart gift card, a pair of Tubbs Snow Shoes donated by The Ski Shop, a three-month fitness membership to either the Caribou or Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center, two one-hour massages by Jill Kalata, LMT, a Caribou Country Club golf package, Big Rock and Lonesome Pines ski passes, Mary Kay beauty package donated by Natalie St. Pierre, a cement bird bath donated by Loring Job Corps masonry students, gift certificates to local restaurants including Café Sorpreso and Napolis and more.
Members of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter Advisory Board and volunteers will be selling raffle tickets during the next few weeks and will be visiting local Aroostook County areas.
“Aug. 24 will be Red Cross Day at Spud Speedway,” said Johnson. “Track owner Troy Haney expects a lot of people to attend, so we’re hoping to sell a lot of raffle tickets and have a lot of fun.”
According to Joyce Knorr, Red Cross’ Aroostook County branch manager, the Racing to Save a Life event could bring in some much-needed funds.
“The local economy is still struggling. Individuals, especially those on a fixed income, are having to be very frugal about where they spend their dollars. People just do not have a lot of disposable income to donate and most are tightening their budgets,” she said. “The local chapter of the American Red Cross has seen a 50 percent increase in the number of fires this year which has exceeded our budget. Our chapter already operates off a shoestring budget and we continue to work hard in decreasing our operational costs even more which puts the demand on raising funds for local disasters in high gear.
“Every time disaster funds go to provide immediate emergency services, they must come back in to take care of the next disaster victim,” said Knorr. “This event and raffle is a great way to support the local American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund while enjoying a great day of fun and excitement at Spud Speedway, as well as the chance of winning great prizes.”
Red Cross Advisory Board members and volunteers will be selling raffle tickets for a donation of $5 for three tickets. They can also be purchased at the customer service desk at Aroostook Centre Mall, the customer service counter at Paradis Shop ‘n Save in Caribou, or during the day of the race. For more information, call 493-4620, ext. 108. The drawing will be held Saturday, Aug. 24 beginning at 5 p.m. at Spud Speedway. You do not need to be present to win.
