Enthusiasm abounds among those preparing for the second annual Bangor Realtors’ Pot ‘O Gold Super Supper, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer, reports Bangor Realtor Jan Currier.

“Here we are in the fund-raising season again,” Currier wrote, encouraging you to purchase your tickets now for this event that benefits Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor and the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Only 100 tickets, for two, will be sold for $150, Currier reported. You can obtain them by calling 989-1607.

The highlight of the event for attendees is the opportunity to win some of more than $5,000 in cash prizes, as well as the chance to win many other “wonderful prizes,” Currier wrote.

The supper offers butlered hors d’oeuvres, a four-choice plated dinner and live entertainment, Currier explained, adding that corporate sponsorships are still available.

“In 2007,” Currier wrote, “the REALTORS’ Pot ‘O Gold Super Supper event and matching funds from the Maine Association of REALTORS’ Affordable Housing Foundation and First Horizon Home Loans” raised $13,600 for HHGB and $3,400 for the Pine Tree Chapter of the ARC.

Currier pointed out that one of the better aspects of this particular fundraiser, whether the funds come from those purchasing tickets to attend the supper or those offering corporate sponsorships, is that “every single dollar raised is matched, dollar-for-dollar, for both Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross, thereby doubling the donation.”

And that is why Currier and all other area Realtors hope you will support them in this effort to help others through the services offered by Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross.

I spoke this week with Pauline Cormier, state director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Maine, and she informed me that now through St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, every Shaw’s Supermarket in the state is partnering with MDA to raise funds through Shaw’s annual Shamrocks Against Dystrophy Campaign.

At all Shaw’s registers, customers can purchase a green shamrock for $1 or a $5 gold shamrock for Jerry’s Kids.

Last year, in Maine, Shaw’s Supermarkets raised more than $24,000 for children and adults with neuromuscular disorders.

According to a release, MDA serves more than 650 Maine families affected by any of 40 neuromuscular diseases by “offering comprehensive medical services and funding research programs.”

Readers are reminded that there is “no cure or treatment for muscular dystrophy,” and that “MDA receives no government funding and charges no fees to those served by the Association.”

Cormier hopes you “take a moment,” at the register, and purchase a shamrock for MDA.

On Feb. 20, I wrote of the need for books, volunteers and food to help make the annual Bangor Y Spring Fair a success.

That event is March 28-30 at the Bangor Civic Center and Auditorium.

Now we have more specific information from Ro Le Gasse of the Bangor Y, which might be helpful to those considering volunteering at the fair, or making a contribution to it.

Le Gasse e-mailed “we still need books” that were published in 2000 or later. The need still exists for “sweet stuff that people will want to buy.”

Le Gasse also wrote that “we still have plenty of schedule openings for volunteers” at the Chocolate Cafe or the book sale.

The available slots are 1-5 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 29; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 1-4 p.m., and 3-5:30 or 6 p.m., as well as 3-6 p.m. Sunday, March 30, “which is pickup, cleanup and vacate time,” she wrote.

Le Gasse reminds you that “volunteer schedules can be adjusted to fit your individual needs.”

Call her at 941-2808 or e-mail rlegasse@bangorY.org.

Wayne Griffin of the Institute for Civic Leadership invites nonprofit board members and staff to attend “Fundraising Fundamentals: the How, When, Where and Why of a Successful Solicitation” workshop.

The workshop will be presented by Elena Brandt, director of development and alumni relations for the University of Maine School of Law, and Michael Barndollar, who serves as director of major and planned giving for Maine Public Broadcasting Network.

The workshop, which includes a continental breakfast at 8 a.m., is 8:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 13, at the UMaine Hutchinson Center in Belfast.

The fee is $70 or $55 for additional group members.

For reservations call Griffin, 773-3254, ext. 100, or e-mail wgriffin@civicleadership.org.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; javerill@bangordailynews.net; 990-8288.