Pine Tree Camp to host antiques appraisal fundraiser in Newport

BATH, Maine (January 25, 2008) – Pine Tree Camp will host an Antiques Appraisal Fair event on Sat., Feb. 2 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 82 North Street in Newport.  The event, which is part of the 2008 Dead River Company Snowmobile Ride-in to benefit Pine Tree Camp, will feature professional appraisers Kaja Veilleux and John Bottero of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries.  Mr. Veilleux and Mr. Bottero will provide instant, onsite appraisals of any antique or collectible item brought to the Appraisal Fair. 

“I am very excited that this internationally known auction and appraisal company is donating their time and expertise to this important fundraising event to help us raise needed funds,” said Erin Rice, Marketing and Communications Director of Pine Tree Society. “This is a wonderful opportunity for people to find out what their family heirlooms and household treasures are worth, while supporting the work of Pine Tree Camp at the same time.”

“We have been doing free appraisals every week at our Thomaston Gallery for over 20 years,” Kaja Veilleux, President of Thomaston Place, noted.  “Now, we are very excited to be able to take this service to Newport and support the worthwhile efforts of the Pine Tree Camp.”

Participants are encouraged to bring any items that they want to have appraised to the event.  If items are too large to be transported to the American Legion Hall, detailed photographs can be used to determine their approximate value.  There are no appointments, and each person will have a chance to meet the appraiser on a first come, first served basis.

There will be a suggested donation of $5.00 per item appraised, and one hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Pine Tree Camp.

Established in 1945, Pine Tree Camp offers Maine children and adults with disabilities an extraordinary summer camp experience. The 280-acre camp is located on North Pond in Rome, Maine. The facility is fully adapted to meet the special needs of campers. The barrier-free setting and commitment of our staff allow campers to fully participate in activities that normally aren’t available to them including swimming, fishing, boating, outdoor games, kayaking, arts and crafts and even camping in a tent under the stars.

For campers, Pine Tree Camp is a highlight of their year. It gives them the opportunity to spend time with their friends in a setting that meets their unique needs. For families, Pine Tree Camp offers an extended period of greatly needed respite from care-giving.

Since it began in 1945, Pine Tree Camp has never turned anyone away because they could not afford to pay tuition. This tradition is kept alive by thousands of generous friends, supporters and volunteers.

Pine Tree Camp is one of the many programs of Pine Tree Society. Pine Tree Society helps people in Maine with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives. We share a spirit of innovation and desire to discover new ways to break down barriers that many find insurmountable. It started as a bold new idea in 1936 and it continues every day. Whether it’s a child discovering her first best friend at Pine Tree Camp or an adult finding his voice with customized assistive technology, Pine Tree Society changes lives.

To learn more about Pine Tree Society, please visit www.pinetreesociety.org.

--30—