By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Good weather and continued support proved to be a winning combination, making AMHC’s 10th annual Andy Santerre Sno-Run, in support of sexual assault awareness services, a record-setting event yet again, bringing the total raised since the fundraiser’s inception to nearly $400,000.
“This year we raised $53,100, topping last year’s total of just over $52,700. The Sno-Run is the only fund-raising event that AMHC Sexual Assault Services holds dedicated to raising funds to provide victim services to youth and child victims of sexual assault in Aroostook County,” said event organizer Lorraine Chamberlain, LCSW, director of AMHC’s outpatient operations and emergency services.
She said the annual event serves to improve community awareness about the seriousness of sexual violence and assault and to encourage the community to be involved in prevention and early intervention.
During the dinner and auction, held at the Aroostook Centre Mall on Feb. 8, Chamberlain acknowledged most fundraisers last a year or two, then fade away. She said much to her amazement, however, the popularity of the Sno-Run continues to grow.
“In Andy’s words, it takes good people like everyone here tonight to make this happen,” said Chamberlain, as she went on to thank several of the people who’ve supported the cause over the past decade.
Since the fundraiser is specifically designed to raise money to aid County youth, it was especially fitting this year that Santerre was joined for the day’s festivities by not only his mother and wife, but is daughters Sara, 10, and Samantha, 6, marking the first time the whole family had taken part in the event. It also marked the first time the “National Anthem” was sung by Santerre’s daughter Sara, assisted by her little sister.
“With this event we come together as one community to support victims of sexual assault — in support of our youth. We don’t question them but simply seek to support them. It’s a matter of standing by one another, not just standing by,” said Chamberlain. “Thank you for being one community taking care of our kids.”
Each year the organization tries to find a new way to thank Santerre for his support. This time Chamberlain and her husband and co-organizer, Joe Chamberlain, presented Santerre with a framed poem and notes from victims expressing appreciation for services received.
“We can’t compete with the trophies you’ve won, but we can give you a little piece of what you’ve meant to others,” said Chamberlain, presenting the gift.
Chamberlain said in the past nine years, AMHC has provided services for 3,209 youth.
“That’s 3,209 souls that because of Andy’s support we were able to help when they needed it,” she said.
“I’d love to take credit but you’re as much part of this as I am,” said Santerre as he addressed the audience. “We’re all in it together. We’ve become one big happy family supporting the cause. Joe and Lorraine are really the ones who make this possible.”
Santerre said he feels a personal connection to the cause, having children of his own.
“I have two kids of my own. I’d do whatever it takes to save a child,” said Santerre.
Santerre had several of his NASCAR friends join him for the 2014 event, including Darrell “Bubba” Wallace, Jr., the first African American to win a NASCAR sanctioned race; Darrell Wallace, Sr., car owner; and Eric Lukas, former jack-man on the Andy Santerre Motorsports pit crew. Also joining Andy were other racing personalities: two-time Oxford Plains Late Model Champion Shawn Martin and the New England Pro-4 Modified Open Wheel Champion Rob Richardi, Jr.
“More than 300 supporters joined Andy for a social hour/dinner and live charity auction at the mall. Dinner was catered by Chopsticks and Ruby Tuesday, with dessert provided by Philbrick’s Bakery,” said Chamberlain. “As in the past, the live auction, with Bert Winslow as auctioneer, offered an excellent selection of donated items to choose from, such as autographed NASCAR memorabilia and race ticket packages, handcrafted items and many gift cards from local businesses and vendors.” For more information or if you are in need of services, call 800-871-7741.
