Families gather to support annual AMHC fund-raiser

 CARIBOU, Maine – Sexual assault affects more than just the victims – be they young or old, male or female – it takes its toll on entire families as they try to deal with the issue and make sense of what’s happened and look for ways to understand.
    Thanks to events like this year’s annual snowmobile ride, banquet and auction, hosted by AMHC Feb.10 at the Caribou Inn & Convention Center, programs are available for victims and those they love when such assaults occur.
This year’s gathering saw many family members taking part in activities throughout the day. Jamie Owens, one of the AMHC organizers, was on hand, joined by her daughter, Sarah. While mom was busy answering questions and greeting participants, Sarah browsed the auction items on display and later in the evening helped sell tickets on a Valentine’s Day gorilla, with proceeds going to help AMHC address the needs of clients.
Prior to the ride, Larry Willette talked with his son, Hunter Willette, and Cody Charette. The three came up from Mars Hill to take part in the ride but weren’t able to attend the dinner and auction.
“My wife’s out of town with our daughter at a cheering competition, so I decided to bring the boys up to enjoy some snowmobiling. This gives us the opportunity to do our own ‘guy’ activity and raise money for a good cause,” said Larry Willette.
Willette indicated the trio would be returning to Mars Hill after the ride and wouldn’t be attending the evening events because Charette was scheduled to compete in a race that night back in their hometown.
Some teams traveled several miles to take part in the annual event.
“I came up from Bangor with my son, Michael. I took the ride last year and thought it would be fun to do with my son this year,” said Jack Gifford.
Gifford wasn’t sure about taking part in future events, since his sled only had room for one and the ride was more fun with another person.
“I have a single seat so my wife can’t ride with me. I’m thinking of selling my machine and may get something different by next season,” said Gifford.
Marvin and Justin McBreairty made the trip up from Brewer to join their dad, Jim McBreairty, on the trek. Jim McBreairty holds the distinction of being the oldest rider this year.
“Dad rode my sled last year. Now we have a new limited edition Arctic Cat that dad’s taking,” said Marvin McBreairty.
The McBreairtys turned this year’s fund-raiser into a family event.
“My mother and two sisters planned to attend the banquet. We combined our family get together with the fund-raiser for a fun-filled family weekend,” said McBreairty.
Lorraine Chamberlain, AMHC director of outpatient and emergency services, was joined by her husband, Joe Chamberlain, in planning the festivities. While Joe went on the ride, Lorraine prepared for the evening’s dinner and auction.
Prior to the auction, Joe made yet another family-oriented announcement pertaining to Andy Santerre’s racing team. Santerre has served as a spokesperson for the annual AMHC fund-raiser, using his connections in Maine and throughout the country to collect donated items and spread sexual assault awareness.
“I just recently learned that Andy’s team will be signing a young man from a well-known racing family. Andy’s team (Andy Santerre Motorsports) will now include Jeffrey Earnhardt,” said Chamberlain.
Earnhardt is the son of Kerry Earnhardt and grandson of the late racing legend, Dale Earnhardt.
The evening concluded with various families and friends gathered around dinner tables, trying to determine when to bid on a favored object of interest.
By the end of the evening, those families and friends gathered in Caribou – some having traveled over a thousand miles to take part – raised over $25,000 for AMHC to continue its work with victims of sexual assault.