Trails lead to sexual assault awareness

   CARIBOU, Maine – AMHC’s Sexual Assault Services have 25,000 reasons to deem this year’s fund-raiser a success.
For the third year, Cherryfield native and four-time Busch North Series champion owner of Andy Santerre Motorsports (ASM), Andy Santerre, made the trek north to lead snowmobilers on area trails, sign autographs and take part in the dinner and auction to help raise money and spread awareness of sexual assault issues. This year’s event raised $25,000 for the cause, as snowmobilers hit the trails in support of AMHC’s services.
     Santerre and “250 of his new best friends” gathered at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center the morning of Feb. 10 to head out on a ride that found the riders stopping at places like the former Spud Speedway for a photo op. The 100-mile circuit started in Caribou, ran through Limestone, then continued up into the St. John Valley, before returning to Caribou. The Snow Hawks catered lunch for the caravan when the group stopped at the Limestone Snowmobile Club. Santerre’s ‘team’ returned to the Caribou Inn around 4:30 p.m., at which time an autograph session and social hour was held. The event was attended by over 200 sledders, racing fans and supporters whose goal was to raise funds to assist victims of sexual assault.
“Sexual assault isn’t just an issue affecting women. Men can be victims too,” said Lorraine Chamberlain, AMHC director of outpatient and emergency services.
Chamberlain and her husband, Joe Chamberlain, were instrumental in organizing this year’s event.
“Andy and I have been friends for some time now. Andy’s been a great help by getting donations and taking part in this event each year,” said Joe Chamberlain.
This year, Santerre brought a few friends with him, including Sean Caisse, driver for the 44 Casella Waste Systems/Andy Santerre Motorsports racing team and 2006 Busch Pole Award Winner; Mike Olsen, the 2001 and 2006 NASCAR Busch East Series winner; Mike Olsen’s crew chief, Harry Norcross; and John Freeman, Busch East Series driver. Hendrick Motorsports was represented by Shane Parsno and Scott Foxx, engine builders for the Nextel Cup Team featuring drivers Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch. Santerre’s 44 show car was on view for all to see, first on display at the Lakeview Restaurant on Thursday, at Caribou Sports in Caribou on Friday, then moved on event day to the Caribou Inn. Covering the event for Busch East Scene were George Campbell and Greg Fish of Northeast Racing News.
Dinner followed the autograph session, with a buffet meal of turkey, ham and all the fixings. Participants were recognized with various awards, including oldest driver going to 91-year-old Jim McBreairty, of Washburn.
“I’ll be 92 next month,” said McBreairty, who later asked Santerre if he could take the 44 car for a spin.
Santerre was also presented a plaque for his dedication to the annual fund-raiser.
“We appreciate Andy’s continued support of this event,” said Lorraine, prior to presenting the award to Santerre.
After dinner, approximately 150 items went up for auction, with Steve Richard serving as auctioneer again this year. Items included signed racing memorabilia, including a UPS jacket signed by Dale Jarrett, various sporting equipment including helmets, jewelry and gift certificates.
AMHC Sexual Assault Services is Aroostook County’s only rape crisis service provider offering access to support and advocacy services around the clock, 365 days a year. Help can be obtained by calling 800-550-3304. Sexual Assault Services specialists are located in Houlton, Presque Isle, Caribou, Fort Kent and Madawaska.