HOULTON, Maine –The Houlton High School Alumni Association will launch a two-week community giving effort beginning March 17, culminating in Alumni Cares Tuesday on March 31, to support students through the Alumni Cares Fund.
The Alumni Cares Fund provides short-term, confidential assistance to students and families facing unexpected hardships — including heating or utility emergencies, transportation related to medical care and access to essential clothing.
Support from the Alumni Cares Fund is administered confidentially through the Houlton High School Guidance Department, using professional discretion to address immediate needs. No identifying information about students or families is shared.
Recently, the Alumni Association received a generous $20,000 gift from a foundation in southern Maine to strengthen the emergency assistance work it began several years ago. As part of that gift, the foundation challenged the Association to raise an additional $10,000.
In response, the Alumni Association Board voted to commit $5,000 toward that goal — provided alumni and community members raise the remaining $5,000. This creates a dollar-for-dollar match opportunity throughout the campaign, with special emphasis on Alumni Cares Tuesday, March 31.
“We realized that raising $5,000 in a single day might limit participation,” said Jon A. McLaughlin ’73, executive director. “By opening the giving window on March 17 and building toward March 31, we give everyone an opportunity to participate.”
Donations may be made at www.houltonalumni.com.