Sparkle is Sebasticook Valley’s “united” fundraiser

  PALMYRA – Sparkle is making a difference in Sebasticook Valley. For those who don’t recognize the now seven-year-old name and logo, it’s the annual fundraiser for the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce and its dozens of partners.

   This year’s event is scheduled for Nov. 3 at the Moosehead Trail Motor Lodge in Dexter.

   Annually, volunteers with the participating organizations solicit donations of goods and funds from area businesses and individuals in a “united” effort for one fundraiser, the “granddaddy” of all fundraisers in this region. With the effort, the Chamber hosts “the party you don’t want to miss” featuring hearty hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, a silent and live auction and dancing.

  Since its inception in 2006, the Chamber event has given back $78,000 to the participating organizations from the region. Annually historical society, friends of library, theater, local parks and facilities and medical and dental programs joined the effort to benefit the various programs. This year is no exception with nine participating organizations.

  The Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union joined the effort this year to benefit its Ending Hunger in Maine Campaign. In 2011, SVFCU raised more than $10,000 for the benefit of several local food pantries and the local Senior Farm Share program. This year, SVFCU’s participation in Sparkle will benefit another year of successful fundraising for this never-ending cause.

  Annually the Newport Woman’s Club takes part in the fundraiser to benefit its on-going scholarship program, “Woman to Child” program that gives children a start-up kit of school supplies. The club annually supports the Girl Scouts, community Senior programs as well as the Maine Youth Leadership program.

  The funding raised by the Newport Cultural Center’s Friends of the Library annually assists with children’s programming and equipment at the local library. They have supported programs with visiting authors and library events, the e-book download program, purchased headphones and bulletin boards, and sponsored a short story contest as well as supported free passes for local library patrons to visit the Children’s Discovery Museum in Bangor.

  These are just three of the nine organizations participating in Sparkle 2012. Before this year’s event there will be more information on the remaining organizations and their respective fundraising efforts.

  Sparkle is a means for many people to benefit several organizations, programs and special causes through a single donation or attending the annual party.

   For more information on Sparkle or to donate whether cash or auction items, check out our website at www.ourchamber.org or click on the link to join us at Facebook.