Aroostook Aspirations gets boost from local Rotary
PRESQUE ISLE — Aroostook Aspirations Initiative received an unexpected surprise after a presentation to the Limestone Rotary Club in May.
Members of the club donated $300 to the work of Aroostook Aspirations Initiative and extended their generosity to an annual commitment.
Club members said it is the Limestone Rotary’s way of supporting the work Aroostook Aspirations does to encourage postsecondary training and to help reverse the outward migration of County youth.
“We are thankful for the support of the Limestone Rotary,” said April Flagg, AAI executive director. “The work of AAI is a perfect match to the ideals of Rotary Club. The support helps us continue to do the great work we do every day.”
Rotary is built on the concept of community service above self. The work of Rotary stretches across the globe, and in Aroostook County, the Rotary Club not only has an active membership in many towns, it is responsible for several community service projects and many philanthropic gifts.
Sandy Gauvin, president of Aroostook Aspirations Initiative, was surprised and excited to receive this kind of support. “We would like to offer our gratitude to the Limestone Rotary Club for their generosity. It is very kind of them to support our efforts to help our young people and to help boost the economy of The County,” Gauvin said.
“In order to address these issues effectively, it will take many people working together. The Limestone Rotary shows through this gift, as well as in many other ways, their willingness to step forward to improve the future of Aroostook.”
Founded in 2013 by Ray and Sandy Gauvin, Aroostook Aspirations Initiative supports selected local students as they attend college in Aroostook County. The Gauvin Scholar program includes weekend retreats that reinforce college preparedness and career skills, an Internship Hub for work experience, and continuous networking with employers, civic leaders and community leaders.
To learn more about this innovative program, visit gauvinfund.org. Donations are welcome and can be made online, in person at 754 Main Street in Presque Isle, or by mail at 26 North Street Box 138, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
