PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle Rotary Club wrapped up its 67th annual Radio and TV Auction on a high note, raising more than $410,000 during the three-night event and surpassing its $25,000 goal for its special project by more than $300,000.
This year’s event was held Dec. 2-4 and was broadcast live by Time Warner Cable and Townsquare Media from the Northeastland Hotel. Auction co-chairs Frank Bemis and Gina LeBlanc-Eggert, and more than 100 Presque Isle Rotarians, helped to pull off the 2014 auction, from taking in auction bids by phone to serving as auctioneers to filming the activity for local broadcast. Funds raised during the event benefited eight nonprofit organizations in the region and the auction’s special project — the future Presque Isle Community Center.
The 2014 auction featured nearly 600 items — including three-night special items, one-night items, half-hour items and art auction items — generously given by more than 180 donors. The total value of these items was estimated at more than $46,000.
“Presque Isle Rotarians, with the help of local businesses, came together again to ensure that the auction was a complete success,” Bemis said. “In our 67th year, the auction has proved to be both fun and helpful to our community. It was encouraging to hear so many people say they heard us on the radio, saw us on the television or that they contributed to the auction by donating or purchasing an item. Best of all will be the difference we can make with local charities.”
More than $377,500 was raised for the proposed Presque Isle Community Center. That money will help to fund the construction of a facility within walking distance of downtown Presque Isle that includes a gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, a walking track, a pool and splash pad, and space designed to meet the needs of young families, teens and seniors. The project, which provides something for residents of every age, complements the city’s efforts to improve the region’s business climate and is seen as another incentive for businesses to relocate to Presque Isle and remain there.
“Time and time again, for exactly 67 years, Rotarians and the community have been witness and recipients of this special community’s generosity and support through the Rotary auction,” LeBlanc-Eggert said. “I am so proud to live in Aroostook County and to be a part of this service to make our home an even better place to live and grow. Sincere gratitude to all our donors and those who buy the items in our auction: you are who make it possible.”
With the 2014 auction behind them, club members already are preparing for next year’s auction, which will be held Dec. 1-3, 2015.
To learn more about the Presque Isle Rotary Club, visit www.presqueislerotary.org.