AUGUSTA – Three Maine businesses recently made generous donations to eBay’s “Auction for America” project in support of the families and victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

L.L. Bean, Inn By The Sea and the Greater Portland Convention and Visitors Bureau participated in the project, which was coordinated by Gov. Angus S. King through the Maine Office of Tourism. All the governors in the country were asked to donate items from their state for the auction.

“It was my pleasure to donate a two-night stay and dinner for two for the Auction for America project,” said Maureen McQuade, owner of Inn By The Sea in Cape Elizabeth. “I was happy to do it, and to me it was a win-win situation. The bid winners are a couple from New York who are thrilled to be coming to Maine at the end of June, and I feel great about supporting something so worthwhile and of which I feel so strongly.”

The governor asked the staff of the Maine Office of Tourism to contact members of the tourism industry to determine who would be willing to donate a weekend stay. In addition to McQuade, the Greater Portland Convention and Visitors Bureau donated two “Ambassador Passes” for the auction winners.

Outdoor gear retailer L.L. Bean also contributed to the auction with a Discovery Ski Set, which includes special cross-country Discovery skis, touring poles and Salomon boots.

“It is certainly uplifting to see the outpouring of support and patriotic spirit that Maine businesses have shown in this time of national tragedy,” King said. “I want to thank Maureen McQuade, Barbara Whitten at the Greater Portland CVB and Chris McCormick at L.L. Bean for their generous contributions to ensure the success of this extraordinary effort.”

EBay’s Auction for America is a project that allows people from around the world to buy and sell goods online and raise money for the victims and the families of those affected by the tragic events of Sept. 11.

“EBay challenged itself, through its community of 34 million registered users, to raise $100 million in 100 days,” said Reed Maltzman, senior director of eBay. “The Governors for America program was one of our efforts, and it proved extremely successful thanks to the generous donations from individuals and business from all across the country.”