By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Organizers of the 10th annual Andy Santerre Sno-Run, a fundraiser for Aroostook Mental Health Services’ sexual assault services in Aroostook County, are putting the finishing touches on the event, which is slated to take place on Saturday, Feb. 8. Past events have raised over $300,000 for the organization’s efforts to provide sexual assault services to the children of Aroostook. “This year’s Sno-Run event to benefit AMHC’s sexual assault services in The County — specifically for children and youth — is coming together nicely. We are starting the day off again at Griffeth Ford in Caribou with the 5K Sno-Run for runners and walkers at 9:30 a.m., led by Andy’s wife, Sue Santerre,” said Lorraine Chamberlain, co-organizer.
Lorraine said this will be the third year they’ve offered this option “to be involved in a very healthy way to get out in the fresh air after being inside and to support a great cause.”
“Then, at 9:45 a.m. the 30-mile round-trip for vintage sleds will leave, going to the Washburn Trail Runners’ clubhouse for lunch. Then, at 10 a.m. sharp, the 100-mile round-trip Sno-Run will be heading to Van Buren, where the group will be able to be involved in another aerial photo with a fly-over by Presque Isle photographer Paul Cyr, where we will be joining the Gateway Snowmobile Club to do a design in the snow of the 2014 World Acadian Congress Star,” said Joe Chamberlain, co-organizer. “For more information, log onto their website.”
Lunch will be at the American Legion Post 49 in Van Buren. Once finished, riders will make the return trip to Griffeth Ford in Caribou.
The evening’s festivities will be at a new venue this year.
“The social/dinner/charity auction will be held for the first time at the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle, due to the closure of the Crow’s Nest. This new venue has allowed us to partner with Ruby Tuesday, Chopsticks and Philbrick’s Bakery for the event,” said Lorraine.
Auction items are being collected and some unique ones are being posted on the AMHC.org website for more information.
“As usual, there will be authentic autographed NASCAR items, crew shirts, hats and sheet metal, for those diehard NASCAR fans. We’ll also have race tickets and hotel packages in the auction. There will be something in the charity auction for everyone, including: gas cards, restaurant certificates, snowmobile helmets, clothing, power tools and more,” Joe said.
“Andy plans again to bring several NASCAR-involved people to the event, as he has in the past. Also, Shawn Martin — our St. John Valley native and Oxford Plains Speedway Championship winner — will be returning,” noted Joe. “For the first time a New England Open Wheel Modified champion, Rob Richard Jr. of Easton, Mass., will be joining us to sign autographs.”
The Chamberlains said the Hampton Inn in Presque Isle is also partnering with AMHC “to have rooms available as the official hotel of the Andy Santerre Sno-Run.”
Lorraine said the fundraiser serves as an educational tool, helping promote awareness of a very serious topic and that services are available.
“Again, the whole purpose of this event is to increase awareness within the community that free and confidential services for anyone who has been sexually assaulted or abused are available 24/7, with access to advocacy and support services,” said Lorraine.
“Funds specifically go to support AMHC’s work with children, youth and their families, since AMHC’s funding is for adults,” said Lorraine. “Our goal is to improve the intervention and recovery process for those who have been victimized, as well as educate youth around prevention — what to do, where to go, what to expect as a response from those who are in a position to help them or someone they know that has been or is being abused.”
Access to service is as easy as calling 800-871-7741.
“Please come join us in supporting a great service that has been available in the community for the past 25 years, one we’d like to continue to be available to all,” Lorraine said.
For more information or to purchase ride/dinner or walk-run tickets, visit AMHC.org or call 498-6431.
