On behalf of Trekkers, my sincere gratitude is extended to everyone who made Trekkers' "Journey into Art" Silent Art Auction on July 25th such a successful event. Over 70 people joined us on a warm summer evening at the Steel House South in Rockland, and bid over $7,000 on the beautiful artwork. This fundraiser was all about community - our amazing community of artists that came together to support our youth through their work. Thank you to everyone who attended the event, along with all of our absentee bidders!

The artists' submissions were centered around the theme of "journey" and they shared how this theme inspired their artwork. Journey is a theme dear to the Trekkers mission. An integral aspect of the Trekkers program is the journey that students take over six years, with their caring mentors helping them to grow into resilient, thriving, responsible adults that have acquired the skills they need to identify and realize their aspirations.

Thank you to all of these local artists for their time and amazing talent in submitting their beautiful artwork: Sherry Barker Abaldo; Josef Albers; Angela Anderson; Kim Bernard; Annie Bailey; Geoff Bladon; David Blanchard; Elizabeth Kate Braestrup; Sam Cady; Julie Crane; Kathleen A. Fox; Ronald Frontin & the artist's dealer, Robert Bird; Eric Hopkins; Ann Hritz; Lydia Kaeyer; Monica Kelly; Otty Merrill; Greg Mort; Jon Mort; Chris Moses; Jordan Kendall Parks; George Pearlman; Sarah Rawson Fris; Bjorn Runquist; and Greta Van Campen. Thank you to our committee members: Annie Bailey, Bryson Cowan King, Mike Hersom, Kathleen Meil, Dee Megna, Alyssa Rolerson, Amie Hutchison, Shari Closter and Paula Coyne.

I would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their support: Annie Bailey; Angela Anderson; Samoset Resort; Steel House South; Maine Lighthouse Museum; Stefanie Mojonnier of Open Sea Design; and to the community and attendees for supporting Trekkers by attending this fundraiser.

Thank you to Home Kitchen Caf,; Clan McLaren, Jack Carpenter, Alyssa Rolerson, Kathleen Meil and Paula Coyne for providing the delicious food for the evening.

A huge thank you to our event sponsors: Applewood Dental; Atwood Lobster, LLC; Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - The Masiello Group; Brooks Trap Mill; Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home; Eastern Tire & Auto Service, Inc.; Epifanes, NA; FIORE Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars; Fisher Engineering; Glen Cove Dental Associates; Grasshopper Shop; Harbor Builders Associates; Harbor Road Veterinary Hospital; Horch Roofing; Jeff's Marine; Lonza Rockland, Inc.; Monhegan Boat Line; Mount Pleasant Dental Care; Mr. Tire Company; Ocean Pursuits; Once A Tree; Rockland Savings Bank, FSB; and Schooner J. & E. Riggin.

All the money raised at this Silent Art Auction will support Trekkers continuing efforts and mission as a long-term program that connects young people with caring mentors and leverages out-of-classroom learning to help students grow into resilient, thriving, responsible people. With guided support from adult mentors and deeply committed volunteers, Trekkers students work hard, have fun, form life-long relationships, expand their world-views, take supported risks, build resiliency, and acquire the skills they need to identify and realize their aspirations. In 2017, the Trekkers Training Institute was founded to train other youth development professionals throughout the state in the Trekkers model.

As we complete our 24th year of mentoring youth from the Midcoast area, I am so grateful for the outpouring of support we receive from the community. Thank you so very much.

Amie Hutchison

Trekkers' Executive Director