PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle Athletic Department is preparing to hold its major annual fundraiser.
The Owls Action Auction will be held on Friday, Nov. 10, at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center and will include a dinner and raffle/live auction.
The program will kick-off with a social gathering at 6 p.m. followed by the dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. The program will include talks from head coaches and random raffle drawings, and will conclude with a live auction.
Raffle and auction items will include professional sports memorabilia, golf packages, concert tickets, gift certificates to local Presque Isle businesses, team gift baskets and larger big-ticket items.
Funds from last year’s event aided in the enhancement of UMPI’s multi-media presence, including the upgrading and purchasing of equipment needed to enable the department to live-stream all home athletic contests.
Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will serve two purposes. Some of the money will be used to set up wifi on the athletic buses to give athletes additional opportunities to complete assignments while their teams are traveling to away contests. Some will also be used for improvements within the athletic facilities with the overall goal being to bring pride back into the athletic programs, according to UMPI officials.
Athletic Director Dan Kane has hit the ground running in his first year leading the Owls and has emphasized the importance of pride within the department, university and surrounding community.
“The university has a rich history with regards to athletics. Our department has really focused this year on enhancing the student-athlete experience so we can continue to have a strong alumni network supporting our programs in the future,” Kane said.
“We want to have alumni out in the communities who are proud of our programs and where they are headed. This fundraiser is incredibly important and one we hope to see alumni at every year, supporting their alma mater and instilling pride in our current athletes,” he added.
UMPI’s athletic programs are members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, except for men’s and women’s Nordic skiing, which is Division I.
The Owls currently compete in 14 varsity sports: men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, golf, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s Nordic skiing, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, baseball and softball.
This event is open to the public and tickets may be purchased through the athletic department for $20. For more information on ticket purchases, contact Sandra McDougal at 768-9506. For more information about the event or to make donations, contact Sara Shaw at 768-9556.
