Lincoln County Historical Association’s annual fundraiser was held Sept. 18 on the grounds of the Pownalborough Court House in Dresden.

Lively bidding during the after-dinner auction ensured that the organization would meet its goal for the event when one of the guests made a surprise announcement that changed the course of the evening, according to a news release from Christine Hopf-Lovette of the Wiscasset-based association.

At the completion of his auction of cakes and experiential items, Auctioneer Kaja Veilleux of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries began the introduction of a pledge round to kick off the association’s fundraising campaign to paint the exterior of the Pownalborough Court House. At that moment, one of the guests, Paul Schacknow, announced a matching challenge. He said he and his wife Sharma would donate $5,000 toward the campaign if the rest of the guests would match it right there and then.

“It was an incredible surprise when Paul stood up and announced his matching challenge,” said LCHA’s executive director Shannon Gilmore. “It energized the crowd to immediately get behind a crucial project that will ensure the proper care of our irreplaceable treasure, the Pownalborough Court House.”

Pledges of an additional $5,250 from the other guests meant that the organization was able to achieve the goal of its brand new fundraising campaign all at once.

In a message to trustees, Gilmore said this news would allow her more time to work on grant applications and other mission-related activities.

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