Sixteen-year-old celebrity rider Austin Witham sets big goals. He started racing snowmobiles when he was five years old. When he was twelve, this Levant native held his first ever fundraiser for Pine Tree Camp at the 2018 Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-in and Pine Tree Camp Egg Ride and more than tripled his goal by raising a whopping $3,200.
He’s back again this year representing the Penobscot Snowmobile Club and looking to crush his goal once again.
On Saturday, February 3, 2024 spectators at Dysart’s in Hermon will welcome Austin and a parade of legendary Egg Riders with their snowmobile suits full of fundraising eggs. It’s a messy — and fun! — way to raise money.
“Austin has always had a special gift with kids and adults who have disabilities,” said his mother, Heather. “He has a big heart and takes the extra step to help people out and make sure everyone feels involved. We live in a small community and his hard work and dedication makes us feel proud that’s for sure.”
Camp Director, Dawn Willard-Robinson sees first hand the difference Pine Tree Camp makes in the lives of Maine children and adults with disabilities.
“The experience that Austin’s fundraising makes possible is not just one week in a camper’s life,” she said. “It’s the beginning of a positive ripple effect that lasts a lifetime. On behalf of the campers who will have their lives forever changed this summer thanks to Austin, we give him a huge thumbs up! We have no doubt that Austin’s hard work and dedication will help him succeed in everything he sets out to do.”
Austin is revved up to top his fundraising goal because he knows what it means financially for campers in need of tuition assistance.
He said, “I like how you don’t charge families and that campers can come and have fun for a week outdoors.”
No camper who can benefit from the Pine Tree Camp experience is ever turned away due to their inability to pay. All proceeds from the Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-in Weekend provide tuition assistance for campers in need.
Saturday, February 3, 2024 — YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN AUSTIN and the convoy of Egg Riders and try your hand at the Poker Run! Celebrities riding this year include: Maine Cabin Masters Jedi and Dixie, Ski-Doo Ambassador John Gibbs, Survivor Castaway Tina Scheer, Maine Game Warden Kris MacCabe and K-9 Marek’s handler, social media personality Tim Davis.
Full Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-in Weekend details at this link.
Help Austin crush his goal and fill his snowmobile suit with eggs by donating to his fundraiser at this link:
Contact: Adria King / 207-386-5915 / aking@pinetreesociety.org