HOULTON, Maine — One of the benefits from living in a small community is the willingness many have to help those in need, even if that person is a business competitor.
Case in point, a benefit supper slated 4:30-7 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum in Littleton will benefit a young man battling Crohn’s disease.
Clarissa Porter, who serves as the code enforcement officer and local plumbing inspector for several small communities in southern Aroostook County, said she saw a benefit supper and auction being planned for Sam Dunbar, the 24-year-old son of Bill Dunbar of Dunbar Construction in Littleton.
“We live in an area of generous people where benefit suppers and auctions are common events organized to financially help someone with medical expenses,” Porter said. “The outpouring of love and support in this area is very evident at these events.”
The wheels were then put into motion on how she could help make the fundraising event something truly remarkable.
Thanks to several local individuals and businesses, many of whom are Dunbar’s competition in the construction business, a complete sewer system has been donated to the auction. The beginning bid starts at $4,000 and the septic site must be within a 25-mile radius of Houlton.
“An item like this (septic system) will require a specific bidder, but I know there is someone out there needing a system and this would be an amazing deal that would greatly help the Dunbar family with medical and travel expenses in Boston,” Porter said.
Sam Dunbar has been battling severe Crohn’s disease since he was diagnosed as a freshman in high school. He has been at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston since July 1 recovering from surgery and will likely need additional surgeries in the future.
“I knew this (septic system) would be a lot to ask of the others as a new system starts at around $8,000,” Porter said. “Many contractors already have their jobs lined up and I knew I would be asking for donations from Bill’s competition. I started calling and texting my contractors and the response was immediate and beyond what I had imagined. In less than an hour we had a septic system to donate.”
The cost for the supper is by donation. In addition, a 50-50 raffle will be held and many other items will be auctioned off. Those who are interested in helping, but are unable to attend, can send donations directly to the family at 249 Back Ridge Road, Littleton ME 04730.
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