The Cape Ann Community

Foundation (CACF) will launch its annual Cape Ann License Plate Auction on April 11, and this year, the weeklong program will include new opportunities to bid for custom plates.

In addition to remaining low-number

Cape Ann license plates – those between 1-100 – this year’s auction will for the first time include 3- and

4-digit plates expected to be particularly popular, including local area codes and exchanges, zip codes, and dates when the Cape Ann communities were founded.

The six remaining low-number plates are 66, 78, 79, 88, 91 and

92. Some examples of the special

3- and 4-digit plates include 525, 9130 and 2025. Bidding on low-number plates will begin at $1000 and special custom plates at $500.

Any Massachusetts resident who wants to display their love and support for Cape Ann will have a chance to secure these special

Cape Ann license plates. The low-number plates and the special 3- and

4-digit plates will be made available to the highest bidders through the weeklong auction, which will end on April 21. All proceeds from the auction will go to the Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF), which uses the funds raised to enable grants to local non-profit initiatives and organizations.

For more information on the auction and to register to bid,

visit http://www.lovecapeann.com. The site also has information on how to request other specific plates through the Foundation as well as the easy steps to order a random Cape Ann license plate through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

There are still thousands of random plates still available, for a payment of just $40 every other year. These plates are typically delivered within 10 days, with no need to go to a Registry of Motor Vehicles office.

“The revenue generated through our annual auction is essential to the work of the Foundation, providing funds we use to enable grants to Cape Ann non-profit organizations,” said Britta Cahoon, co-chair of the Cape Ann Community Foundation board of directors.

“The Cape Ann License Plate has become much sought-after, and the auction is the best way to secure the most popular numbers, all while helping to support important local initiatives,

” said Foundation Co-Chair Tony Sapienza.

Those who already have a Cape Ann license plate may still support the Foundation by donating on www.lovecapeann.com.

For more information about the Cape Ann License Plate Auction and for assistance in obtaining a Cape Ann license plate, call the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce at 978-283-1601 or visit the Chamber office at 24 Harbor Loop in Gloucester.

To preview and pre-register for the auction visit the Cape Ann

Community Foundation website at www.lovecapeann.com.