Working behind the scenes of the Boothbay Charities Classic takes a year-round effort.

For Tom Erskine, as soon as the sports auction and golf tournament wraps up, it's back to collecting sports memorabilia for the following year. 

But it's not the recognition, the autographs, the golf prizes or the celebrity clout that keeps Erskine coming back every year. “It's always about the Special Olympians,” Erskine said.

For 23 years the Charities Classic has raised money for Special Olympics Maine.

Last year's $42,000 was a record breaker. In past years funding has gone toward purchasing a pontoon boat and handicapped accessible facilities at Tall Pines campground for Special Olympians. Fundraising efforts have also helped send Special Olympians to the World Games each year.

This year, the silent auction kicks off the Charities Classic at 3 p.m. and the live auction starts around 6 p.m. on September 27 at the Boothbay Railway Village.

The lobster and clam bake begins at 4 p.m., under the big top. People from the public can attend the auction free of charge and bid on sports items alongside the celebrities.

This year's silent auction items include: a Sugarloaf golf package for four; a locally chartered striper fishing trip for four; an autographed part off Jeff Gordan's NASCAR; two Sugarloaf ski passes; a mini-helmet autographed by Steelers hall-of-famer Lynn Swann; an autographed, 8-inch by 10-inch picture of Jason Varitek; baseballs signed by Carlton Fisk, Rico Petrocelli, Felix Doubront, Dennis Eckersley and Will Middlebrooks; and more.

This year's live auction features autographed footballs by Dick Butkus, Troy Aikman and Troy Brown; autographed baseballs by Greg Maddux and Curt Schilling; jerseys autographed by Bill Lee, Tom Seaver and Bo Jackson; a basketball signed by Sam Jones; and much more.

For those who are not participating in the celebrity golf tournament, but who want to attend the lobster and clam bake, (with chicken available), tickets are available by calling Brenda Blackman at 207-633-6280.