ST. JOHN VALLEY, Maine — More than 22 registered snowmobilers, despite subzero temperatures in the morning, participated in the Aroostook Chapter of Credit Unions’ fundraising snowmobile run on Thursday, Feb. 20, raising more than $5,600 for good causes in the process.
Hosted by NorState Federal Credit Union, the Snowmobile Run for Charity will assist local efforts to end hunger as well as to benefit Maine Special Olympics. Snowmobilers came from all over Maine, and some as far south as Nashville, Tennessee, to participate.
Members and staff from Acadia, NorState and The County federal credit unions, including family, friends and sponsored riders, took advantage of a day away from work for a good cause and took in over 100 miles of majestic northern Maine woods and near perfect trail conditions.
After a small registration fee during a sponsored breakfast at the Lakeview Restaurant in St. Agatha to start the day right, participants collected trail maps and some tokens, instructions on route, and where stops would be to warm up and eat.
The trek took them on a loop from St. Agatha, to Cross Lake, toward Eagle Lake and down around into St. John all in northern Aroostook county, at which point they headed to Trackdown Lodge & Cabins for a networking lunch. Snowmobilers then continued to the scenic St. John River lookout in Frenchville and headed back towards the Lakeview to finalize 100 miles of beautiful trails and scenery.
Kevin Freeman, owner of the Sled Shop in Presque Isle, a sponsor and participating snowmobiler found the event is a good opportunity to give back to the community, have fun while doing it, and network with other event sponsors and riders.
The Aroostook chapter president, Denise Duperre, guided the tour and traveled along at a steady pace for both novice and experienced riders.
The day ended with a chapter meeting and dinner at the Lakeview with over 120 attendees enjoying an evening of networking. The evening’s guest speaker was Cory Lathrop, who is one of the top fundraising persons in the state of Maine for the Trek Across Maine, a charitable bike ride for the American Lung Association.
Lathrop talked about ways to encourage charitable giving and how a little sentiment like a thank you card goes a long way in building relationships for charitable asks in the future.
NorState’s commercial lender Denise Plourde said, “He’s encouraging, inspirational and to the point. I really enjoyed listening to him. He had our attention from beginning to end.”
For more information about the Aroostook Chapter of Credit Unions, contact any of the credit union presidents or Duperre by email: dduperre@norstatefcu.org.
