Green flag waves on American Red Cross raffle
CARIBOU — With the economy posing financial challenges for many people, free groceries, heating oil, electricity and gasoline would appeal to most everyone.
As part of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter’s second annual Racing to Save a Life raffle, someone will win a Survive and Thrive package valued at $1,000.
“It’s a challenging time for many people with the cost of so many things on the rise, that we wanted to give people the opportunity to win something practical,” said Scott Johnson, Racing to Save a Life chair. “Whether you rent an apartment or own your own home, the Survive and Thrive package can help anyone.”
The package includes $300 in groceries donated by Star City IGA, $300 in heating oil from Dead River Co., a $250 certificate for Maine Public Service, and a $150 gas card from Daigle Oil Co.
Joining the American Red Cross to sponsor Racing to Save a Life are Spud Speedway, Inc., WAGM-TV, Star City IGA, Thompson-Hamel, LLC, The County Federal Credit Union, Griffeth Ford-Lincoln-Mitsubishi-Honda and The Bank of Maine.
“Keeping with the racing theme, Tom Clukey of Clukey’s Auto Supply has once again generously donated two tickets to the Sept. 23 NASCAR race in Loudon, N.H. For anyone who has never been to the New Hampshire track, it’s a beautiful facility and always a lot of fun and excitement,” said Johnson. “This is a great prize for any race fan.”
Other raffle prizes include a getaway package at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland valued at $400, which includes one night of deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two, two passes to the Portland Museum of Art and tickets to a Portland Pirates hockey game; a “date night” package including an overnight stay at the Hampton Inn in Presque Isle and dinner for two at The Crow’s Nest valued at $200, a $125 Walmart gift card, a pair of Snow Jam snow shoes donated by The Ski Shop, a three-month fitness membership to either the Caribou or Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center, two tickets to Spud Speedway’s Labor Day race, and gift certificates to local restaurants including Café Sorpreso and Napoli’s.
Members of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter Advisory Board and volunteers will be selling raffle tickets at Spud Speedway in Caribou Saturday, July 7 at 6 p.m.
“July 7 will be Red Cross Day at Spud Speedway. That night the Late Model Series will compete in a 75-lap race, and it’s also the night that Spud Speedway will hold its fireworks display,” Johnson said. “Track owner Troy Haney expects a lot of people to attend, so we’re hoping to sell a lot of raffle tickets and have a lot of fun.”
One dollar of every ticket sold at the gate July 7 will be donated to the American Red Cross. Collection buckets will also be positioned at the concession stand so patrons can donate their loose change, and track officials will “pass the hat” taking up a collection for the organization, as well.
According to Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter, the Racing to Save a Life event could bring in some much-needed funds.
“The local economy is still struggling. Individuals, especially those on a fixed income, are having to be very frugal about where they spend their dollars. People just do not have a lot of disposable income to donate and most are tightening their budgets,” she said. “The local chapter of the American Red Cross has seen an increase in the number of fires which has been a challenge to our budget this year. Our chapter already operates off a shoestring budget and we continue to work hard in decreasing our operational costs even more which puts the demand on raising funds for local disasters in high gear.
“Every time disaster funds go out to provide immediate emergency services, they must come back in to take care of the next disaster victim,” said Knorr. “This event and raffle is a great way to support the local American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund while enjoying a great night of fun and excitement, as well as the chance of winning a great prize.”
Raffle tickets are $2 for one or three for $5 and can be purchased from Red Cross Advisory Board members and disaster volunteers or during the night of the race. For more information, call 493-4620, ext. 108. The drawing will be held Sunday, Aug. 26 at Spud Speedway. All proceeds will go to the Aroostook County branch of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter’s disaster relief fund.
