Ricky Craven fundraiser delayed

WEST PARIS — A supper and auction slated to raise money for reconstruction of West Paris’ historic Harold C. Perham grandstand will still take place, and with NASCAR driver Ricky Craven at the head table, but the date has been put off until March.

According to West Paris Athletic Association (WPAA) director Jeff Shock, the caterer pulled out of the event, originally scheduled for January 29.

That forced Shock to put off the event until the next available hole in Craven’s schedule.

The dinner is now set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at a location still to be determined.

Craven will give a post-dinner talk about his NASCAR career, to be followed by an auction of racing memorabilia.  Among the most highly anticipated items to go on the block will be a limited-edition print of Craven's 2003 win at Darlington, the closest in NASCAR history.  The print, No. 74 of 400, is signed by Craven and artist Sam Bass.

Although Craven has not raced on NASCAR’s top circuit since 2004, Shock said he hopes an appearance by the driver — now a YAHOO! Sports race analyst — will help to move all available tickets. 

The 300-seat Perham grandstand was destroyed July 24 by a teenage arsonist.  Built shortly after World War II as a Federal Work Administration project, it was said to have been one of three like it remaining in the state.  Along with a pitching machine, a mower, and other grounds equipment, the fire also cost the town cherished baseball memorabilia, including town-team uniforms dating back to the 1930s.

Insurance will pay $56,000 toward reconstruction, plus $6,000 to cover lost contents of the storage area.  The Craven fundraiser is being held to rains money for a foundation, a requirement of modern building codes.

Shock is still busy trying to line up raffle donations for the auction.  Any area person or businesses wanting to contribute an item should call Shock at 592-5588.  That number also may be used to buy tickets to the dinner, priced at $20, each.