PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle Athletic Department will hold its major annual fundraiser Friday, Nov. 2.
The Owls Action Auction will be held at 6 p.m. at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center and will include a dinner, a raffle and a 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, gift certificates to local Presque Isle businesses, team gift baskets and larger big-ticket items.
Assistant Athletic Director Sara Shaw is expecting another great turnout for this year’s event.
“It’s a night we all look forward to each year,” Shaw said. “We are excited to see everyone at the auction and hope they will enjoy a new component to bring more excitement to the evening.
“This year we are adding Owl Pride beads and all individuals donating $20 or more at the door will get blue and gold beads they can wear throughout the night that help us recognize them for their generosity,” she said. “They get to keep the beads and are able to show their Owl Pride by wearing them at home games.”
Athletic Director Dan Kane is in his second year as the school’s athletic director and is once again emphasizing 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) and just joined the North Atlantic Conference as a full member this year.
The university currently competes in 14 varsity sports, 12 of which are at the Division III level: 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 outdoor track and field, baseball and softball. Men’s and women’s Nordic ski teams compete at the Division I level.
The Owls Action Auction 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 donations, contact Shaw at 768-9556 or sara.shaw@maine.edu.
