Orono hosts auction to help library

ORONO – The Orono Public Library Foundation held a gala auction June 10, to benefit the campaign for a new public library. Sarah Kenney, chairwoman of the auction committee, reported that the auction brought in more than $13,000 for the new library fund.

The auction was held at the Buchanan Alumni House on the University of Maine campus and included a silent and live auction. Auction items filled the rooms of the Alumni House and an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 200 viewed items and placed bids.

The auction offered a wide array of items, from a hockey shirt signed by the entire Black Bears team to a week at a cottage on Prince Edward Island. There was something for everyone – a painting by well-known local artist Michael Lewis, a wine-tasting party for six, a golf weekend at Sugarloaf and a day of fishing with a Maine guide.

There were many one-of-a kind items, including a signed copy of “The Godfather” script, beautiful works by local craftspeople, antiques, furniture and many books about Maine or by Maine authors, including first editions and signed copies. A few lucky auction attendees won a season’s pass to the Maine Center for the Arts, Bangor Symphony Orchestra tickets and a membership to the Penobscot Valley Country Club.

Kenney called the generosity of the community “overwhelming.” Local restaurants and businesses of all kinds donated gift certificates and items, and local residents brought out treasures from their homes.

John Cheney donated his services as auctioneer, and kept the bidding moving at the live auction. The Rock Team of ERA Dawson-Bradford and the Noyes Law Office T&B Title sponsored the event.

The committee of Orono residents said they enjoyed organizing the event.

“We had fun getting together and coming up with ideas for auction items that would appeal to all age groups,” Kenney said. “We were also very fortunate to work with Kathy Hill at Buchanan Alumni House. We really worked as a team, which was very important for our first auction.”

Music by some of Orono’s talented young musicians highlighted the evening, including performances by Dan and Nate Lesser, Jessamy Luthin, Nikolai Renedo, Max Winter and Jae Bradley.

Hors d’oeuvres and desserts were provided by Ann Marie’s Catering.

The Orono Public Library Foundation is making progress toward the $1.8 million project goal it has set for itself. The new library will be built at the corner on Pine and Birch streets in downtown Orono.