PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle Rotary Club’s 67th annual Radio-TV Auction kicked off last night, and area residents are finding good deals and supporting several worthwhile non-profit organizations at the same time.
The auction, which continues tonight and wraps up Thursday night, is broadcast live from the Northeastland Hotel from 7-10 p.m.
The club has a long list of auction items, including 3-night special items, one-night special items, regular one-night items, and art auction items. The event features nearly 600 auction items — valued at more than $46,000 — generously given by more than 180 donors.
Among this year’s big-ticket items include an infrared portable heater provided by TD Bank and Lynox Welding Supply, a 2012 KYMCO Agility 125 scooter donated by Katahdin Trust Co. and Harry’s Motor Sports, a Cub Cadet snowblower donated by Mike & Sons of Presque Isle and State Farm of Houlton, and 20 tickets to the Portland Sea Dogs’ Babe Ruth Skybox (game, food and non-alcoholic beverages included) contributed by Coca Cola of Portland.
Proceeds from this year’s regular auction will go toward eight area non-profit organizations that were chosen for funding. The recipients selected include Martha and Mary’s Ministries, Catholic Charities, Central Aroostook Humane Society, Wintergreen Arts Center, United Way of Aroostook, C.A.N.C.E.R, University of Maine at Presque Isle — geology department, and the Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp.
Each year Rotary Club members choose a project or organization to receive Special or Major Project status. This year’s special project goal of $25,000 is earmarked for the Presque Isle Community Center, which will be located within walking distance of downtown Presque Isle. The rec center would provide something for citizens of all ages, and will include a gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, a walking track, a pool and splash pad, and space designed to meet the needs of young families, teens and seniors.
Proceeds from the auction will also support many other community projects throughout the entire year through the Rotary Youth, Scholarship, General and World Community Service funds.
“As a kid, I remember watching the auction every year, mostly to see my dad on TV, but didn’t really understand what it was all about,” said Scott Violette, Rotary president. “For 67 years, the Presque Isle Rotary Club has hosted this auction to raise money to support Rotary initiatives, local charities, and in some years, a Special Project. It is our largest fund-raising event and allows us to support the community in a variety of ways and to live up to our motto, ‘Service Above Self.’ Every dollar raised in the auction goes back to the community.
“Upon moving back to Presque Isle seven years ago, I wanted to join an organization that could make a positive difference in the community and allow myself to be connected to the community that I grew up in. The Rotary Club was a perfect fit,” Violette said. “Over those last few years, I’ve been involved in the auction and have seen both the immense needs of the community and the amazing generosity of the citizens and businesses of this region. It seems that no matter the goal, no matter the obstacles, the generosity of our community shines through.”
Auction booklets with a complete listing of items were inserted in the Nov. 19 weekly newspapers and extra copies are available at participating local merchants.
Bidders can call 540-1391 or 1-866-902-2003. Successful bidders will be notified following the last half-hour of each evening. They can pick up their items at the distribution center, which will be at the North Street Plaza, Suite 17, near Pat’s Pizza.
In addition to being broadcast on Time Warner Cable (Channel 9) and Big Country 97 (96.9 FM), a live streaming webcam of the quote board will be available on the club’s website (www.presqueislerotary.org). People can also follow the auction on Facebook at presqueislerotary and on Twitter at @PIRotary.
