AMHC Sno-Run sets fund-raising record
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Another year has come and gone and with it another record has been set for funds raised to benefit AMHC’s Sexual Assault Services, bringing the six-year total to approximately $182,000.
“This year’s total breaks last year’s record amount raised. Funds raised at the 2009 Sno-Run event, $42,500, provided 902 contacts, amounting to over 400 hours of direct victim service and education,” said event organizer Joe Chamberlain. “This year’s event broke that record, raising over $46,000.”
This year’s event was held on Saturday, Feb. 6, with Andy Santerre — NASCAR’s four-time champion and Maine native — joining AMHC staff and community supporters at the sixth annual Andy Santerre Sno-Run, raising about $46,834 for AMHC’s Sexual Assault Services, the only victim rape crisis center in Aroostook County dedicated to providing victim advocacy, awareness and community education about the violent crime of sexual assault.
Organizers Joe Chamberlain and Greg Disy report that it was humbling to see so many people come out for such a great cause.
“More than 140 sledders were registered for the ride, lead by Andy,” said Joe. “Dave Moreau, of County Sports Polaris, provided Andy and his guest, Jeffrey Earnhardt — the grandson of seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt Sr. — with new Polaris snowmobiles to ride at the event.”
Participants of the ride, including Earnhardt, said the event was “awesome.”
“This was a nice break from racing cars. Getting sponsors there has been tough, given the economy, but it’s picking up. Coming up to support this event was easy. I really enjoyed the ride and would do it again,” said Earnhardt, whose first encounter with snowmobiling in Aroostook County took place two years ago when he attended his first AMHC Sno-Run.
Earnhardt was one of several repeat participants. The annual fund-raiser has grown in popularity, attracting snowmobilers from near and far.
“This is my fourth year. I rode down from Madawaska and will be riding back to pick up my truck after the Sno-Run, coming back for dinner and the auction. I got away from the international snowmobile festival for the day but will be helping with that Sunday morning,” said Mike Michaud, of Madawaska.
Along the course of the run, the Washburn Trailrunners hosted a sledders’ lunch at their clubhouse in Washburn, before the group returned to the Caribou Inn and Convention Center.
“After the 100-mile run, Trent Burgay served as the DJ for an autograph session/social hour with Andy and Jeff poolside,” said Lorraine Chamberlain, who has spearheaded the AMHC fund-raiser since its inception six years ago.
The autograph session/social hour was followed by a dinner/charity auction attended by a sellout crowd of 320.
“The Caribou Inn allowed us to expand our seating this year, so we were able to accomodate an even larger crowd than last year,” said Joe.
During the evening’s dinner event, many volunteers who helped with the event were recognized for their outstanding efforts.
“AMHC would like to thank the many local businesses, Andy and his many NASCAR friends who donated NASCAR memorabilia to the auction and who participated in the event. Steve Richard once again served as the charity auctioneer and outdid himself by rallying auction participants to raise $13,085 in auction proceeds alone,” said Lorraine.
Items auctioned this year included: gift certificates, clothing, racing memorabilia and collectibles.
Organizers were surprised and pleased when the Washburn Trailrunners’ president, Billy Pike, presented co-organizer Joe Chamberlain with a check in the amount of $1,000 to further support the cause. Pike said it was important to the club to support people in the community who need this service.
Numerous sponsors contributed to the fund-raiser, making this year’s event the best ever.
“Through their collaboration with AMHC and ASM (Andy Santerre Motorsports), the event is growing stronger each year,” said Lorraine.
She explained that monies raised by the Sno-Run fund-raiser specifically provide services for youth, which are free of charge, to support education and safety training to help prevent a traumatic event.
“And, if an event occurs, to provide support and advocacy for youth victims of sexual assault and their families,” Lorraine continued.
A major result of this year’s Sno-Run fund-raiser is that it will help AMHC sexual assault services to achieve its goal of continuing to increase youth awareness and access to the free service, said Lorraine.
“The success of the Sno-Run event speaks volumes about how much Aroostook County residents value the service,” said Joe.
This year’s event had a somber note, with the recognition of several supporters who are no longer with us. Posthumously honored with a moment of silence were: Jim and Doris McBreairty, Debbie Belanger, Larry Doody and Allen Curran.
“Jim took part in the ride four years running. As an elected official, he was instrumental in establishing the snowmobile trail system so many enjoy in Maine today. He got legislation passed in the state of Maine so you could ride off your property,” said Lorraine. “He had great passion and commitment and was always there to lend a hand.”
Also on hand for this year’s festivities were members of the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club. Club President Norm Driscoll took the opportunity to express thanks to those who helped the club following the fire in March 2009 that destroyed the clubhouse and the subsequent rebuilding.
“Thanks to all those who helped through the financial part — Andy too. We received a lot of support from the community all around. We’ll be hosting an open house Jan. 28, with a free lunch. All are welcome and we hope you’ll all attend,” said Driscoll at the annual dinner and auction.
According to AMHC statistics, one in seven individuals from birth to death will be a victim of sexual assault.
“We’re here to support AMHC Sexual Assault Services,” said Lorraine, noting the increase in requests for services isn’t because cases of sexual assault have increased but rather more people are coming forward.
“The beauty is people are now finding the courage to come forth. No matter if you’re 5 or 95, being a victim is awful. But being a survivor is incredibly uplifting. It’s like seeing a rainbow at the end of a very dark tunnel. Thanks to you, all funds raised go to help people of all walks of life — people you know as a neighbor, friend, loved one. What we raise stays here to help victims in Aroostook County,” said Lorraine. “We (AMHC) will always be there for the victims of sexual assault.”
For more information, call AMHC’s Sexual Assault Services toll-free at 800-550-3304 to learn about how you too may get involved with the annual Sno-Run event or to provide funding support.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
STEVE RICHARD, of Presque Isle, served as auctioneer again this year for AMHC event. Here, Richard shows off one of the many items up for bid.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
PHOTO OP — Andy Santerre joined Freddy Haines, of Presque Isle, for a quick photo before heading out to lead the Sno-Run ride in Caribou on Feb. 6. Haines didn’t take part in the ride but enjoyed the dinner and auction later that evening.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
THE OLDEST SLEDDER to take part in the Andy Santerre Sno-Run held Feb. 6 to benefit AMHC was Barry Barley, pictured here with his wife, Sandra, at the annual dinner and auction.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
GIVING A THUMBS UP signal, Andy Santerre, at left, and Jeffrey Earnhardt, at right, prepared to lead about 140 snowmobilers on a ride north Feb. 6, before heading back for lunch at the Washburn Trailrunners’ clubhouse, returning to the Caribou Inn and Convention Center by early afternoon. This marks the sixth year for the annual AMHC fund-raiser.
Photo courtesy of Christie Cochran
JIM AND DORIS McBREAIRTY, of Washburn, were posthumously honored for their contributions to the Andy Santerre Sno-Run to benefit AMHC, as well as his many accomplishments as an elected official, including the creation of the snowmobile trail system that many enjoy throughout Maine each year. Pictured during a lunch break in Washburn Feb. 6 are, from left: The McBreairtys’ children Molly Stevens, Noreen McIntosh and Marvin McBreairty; Andy Santerre; the McBreairtys’ daughter, Linda Seward; and Jeffrey Earnhardt, who joined Santerre at this year’s fund-raiser.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
THE ANDY SANTERRE SNO-RUN festivities were made memorable thanks to the efforts of some key individuals. Pictured, from left: Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr.; Joe Chamberlain, event organizer; and Andy Santerre, whose leant his name to the AMHC fund-raiser since its inception six years ago.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
THE WASHBURN TRAILRUNNERS were honored for their continued support of AMHC’s annual fund-raiser. This year, the club hosted a luncheon for participants in the Andy Santerre Sno-Run ride. Pictured, from left: AMHC fund-raiser organizers Lorraine and Joe Chamberlain; Carroll Sperrey, assistant trailmaster; and Club President Billy Pike. Pike also presented the Chamberlains with a $1,000 donation from his club prior to the Feb. 6 auction.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
READY TO HEAD OUT — As participants in the Andy Santerre Sno-Run registered for the ride poolside at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center, others took the opportunity to visit with the ride’s namesake. Pictured, from left: Kevin Freeman, of Presque Isle; Andy Santerre; and Karter Bell, of Mars Hill.
Photo courtesy of Christie Cochran
Caught up in the excitement of the day and happy to meet Andy Santerre, at center, were brothers, from left, Tyler and Cody Theriault.
Photo courtesy of Christie Cochran
ENJOYING A SHORT VISIT — The Andy Santerre Sno-Run, to benefit AMHC’s Sexual Assault Awareness Services, stopped for lunch in Washburn Feb. 6. Pictured, from left: Santerre. Washburn Trail Runners’ Club President and Trail Groomer Billy Pike and Assistant Trailmaster and Trail Groomer Carroll Sperrey.
Photo courtesy of Christie Cochran
“SO MANY CHOICES” — Andy Santerre weighed his various options for lunch at the Washburn Trail Runners’ clubhouse on Saturday, Feb. 6. Santerre led the annual Sno-Run that bears his name, part of a daylong list of activities to benefit AMHC’s Sexual Assault Awareness Services. The clubhouse was packed with over 100 ride participants for the noontime stop.
