AMHC Sno-Run sets fund-raising record

By Kathy McCarty  
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.
    According to AMHC statistics, one in seven individuals from birth to death will be a victim 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.