Falmouth Lions Host Auction for RTT

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On Saturday, March 19, the Falmouth Lions Club will be hosting its first annual "Spring Ahead" Auction at the Woodlands Country Club in support of Riding to the Top Therapeutic Riding Center (RTT) based in Windham.

Items with a spring theme will be donated from well-known Maine businesses that include 4-star inns, restaurants, spas and furniture. Products will be available in both a silent and live auction format and the evening will be lead by a professional auctioneer followed by dancing to a live band.

The Falmouth Lions, who have been helping support the local community through other events and fundraisers since 1955, say there are a couple of important reasons for launching the to-be-yearly "Spring Ahead" Auction.

First, they want to use their people-power to really make an impact in the local and surrounding community.
Traditionally, the Lions have worked to support individuals with financial needs or at the international level by raising money for the visually impaired - one of the keys missions of all Lions Clubs.

"Now's the time to make a bigger, broader impact in our local community," say Bill Bennett, the Falmouth Club's President.

"Over the last couple of years we have built a strong and very energetic Club," added Bennett, "we're ready to take it to the next level."

Secondly, the Club wants to facilitate deep community relationships at all levels.

"Drawing people together for a good cause and a good time after we've all had a long, cold winter is only going to make Falmouth and its neighboring towns a more cohesive community," notes Ruth Jones, Auction Committee Member.
"Businesses will feel good about donating, members of our group will feel good about volunteering and people who attend will feel great about contributing to such a worthy cause," Jones continues.

The sole beneficiary of the "Spring Ahead" Auction is Riding to the Top (RTT) based out of their farm in Windham with a satellite location at the Pineland Farms Equestrian Center in New Gloucester.

RTT annually serves 250 children and adults with a wide range of disabilities including autism, developmental delay, brain injury and Down syndrome by utilizing therapeutic riding to increase strength, balance and postural control.

RTT has been in operation since 1993 and is supported by hundreds of volunteers.

Funds raised from the auction will provide critical support for the expansion of RTT's facility in Windham enabling clients to ride all year long.

"Our campaign goal is $1.4 million," explains RTT's Campaign Director, Tory Dietel Hopps. "To date, we have raised over $700,000 and we are thrilled the Falmouth Lions has selected our organization as the beneficiary of this fun event."

"Riding To The Top is a top-notch organization," notes Catherine Frost, Auction Chairperson. "Their administrative costs are extremely low and their entire focus is on the client."

With the launch of the 1st Annual "Spring Ahead" Auction, the Falmouth Lions hope to make a strong impact in the local community as well as a big impact on RTT's expansion campaign.

"I personally understand the need for continuity for anyone who participates in any therapeutic program. No one should be denied meaningful, helpful therapy simply because it is too cold or there is snow on the ground. The clients and their families who rely on this program need our support," adds Frost.

The Auction will be held at the Woodlands Country Club in Falmouth from 6 - 11 p.m.

For questions or to make a donation, please contact, Paulette Shepard, Special Events Assistant at pshepard@ridingtothetop.org or call 207-892-2813 x14.