HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton High School Alumni Association has announced the successful completion of its recent Alumni Cares Fund campaign, a two-week fundraising effort aimed at supporting students and families facing unexpected financial hardships.
The campaign, which ran from March 17-31, raised over $5,000, meeting the community portion of a broader fundraising challenge and unlocking additional support committed by the Association.
The Alumni Cares Fund provides emergency financial assistance to students and families within the Houlton Middle-High School community. The program is designed to address urgent needs that can arise suddenly and affect a student’s ability to remain engaged in school.
Examples of support include assistance with heating fuel during extreme winter conditions, clothing and essential items, transportation for medical care and other unforeseen family needs.
“This is about making sure that when something unexpected happens, there is a way to respond quickly and help students stay on track,” said Jon A. McLaughlin ’73, executive director of the Alumni Association.
The recent campaign was made possible through a significant leadership gift.
Earlier this year, the Alumni Association received a $20,000 contribution from a foundation in southern Maine to strengthen the emergency assistance work it began several years ago. As part of that gift, the foundation challenged the Association to raise an additional $10,000.
In response, the Alumni Association Board voted to commit $5,000 toward that goal, provided alumni and community members raised the remaining $5,000. This created a dollar-for-dollar matching opportunity throughout the campaign, helping to build momentum and encourage participation.
The effort culminated on Alumni Cares Tuesday, March 31, which served as the final push to reach the campaign goal.
According to McLaughlin, the response from alumni and the community was strong and encouraging.
“We saw support come in at all levels,” he said. “What stood out was the willingness of people to step forward and help when they understood the purpose of the fund. It speaks to the strength of this community.”
Funds from the Alumni Cares program are administered through the Houlton Middle-High School Guidance Office, allowing assistance to be delivered in a timely, confidential, and thoughtful manner.
School officials note that access to emergency support can play an important role in helping students remain focused and engaged during difficult circumstances.
The Alumni Association expressed its appreciation to the foundation that provided the initial gift, to the Board for its matching commitment, and to the many alumni and community members who contributed to the campaign.
“This effort shows what can happen when people come together around a clear need,” McLaughlin said. “The fund is stronger today, and that means we are better prepared to support students and families when challenges arise.”
