Riding to the Top, The Robbie Foundation, Baby Girl Foundation, and the Locker Project to Receive Funds

Bob Dunfey, volunteer race director for the Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon, and Steve deCastro, president and CEO of Gorham Savings Bank, title sponsor since 2010, announced today that an additional $55,000 raised through the 2024 event in funds will be donated to four local non-profit organizations: Riding to the Top, The Robbie Foundation, Baby Girl Foundation, and the Locker Project.

“These organizations had no idea they were next in line to receive these funds,” said Dunfey. “We are delighted to surprise them with this news, especially knowing the relief it will bring as they approach their annual appeals to donors.”

“We are incredibly pleased the Maine Marathon is able to share these additional funds with such outstanding organizations,” said deCastro. “Their dedication to improving the lives of individuals in our communities is truly inspiring, and we are honored to support their missions.”

Riding to the Top

Riding to the Top focuses on therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities in Maine. By facilitating meaningful connections between people and horses, the organization aims to improve physical, emotional, and social well-being, offering participants a unique and empowering therapeutic experience. They will receive an additional $9,500, completing the maximum eligible donation of $20,000, having previously been awarded $10,500 from the Marathon earlier this year.

The Robbie Foundation

The Robbie Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for children with special needs and developmental disabilities. By providing funding for therapy, adaptive equipment, and other necessary services not covered by insurance, they support children and families in overcoming obstacles and reaching their full potential. They will receive $18,300 to further their mission of assisting children with special needs across Maine.

Babygirl Foundation

The Babygirl Foundation is dedicated to supporting families during unexpected hospital stays. Through its initiative, the “Parents Closet,” they provide essential comforts from home to help caregivers navigate these challenging times. Launched in the fall of 2019 in honor of the founder’s daughter Addison, the Parents Closet was created to ease the burden on families, ensuring they can focus on being their best for their loved ones. They will receive $3,500 to continue their important work supporting families of the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Locker Project

The Locker Project addresses food insecurity among children in Greater Portland by sharing more than half a million pounds of fresh produce and healthy staples each year. Working closely with schools and community partners, their programs ensure that children have access to nutritious food outside of school hours. They will receive $20,000. This is the second time the Locker Project has been a race beneficiary; they became eligible again after five years.

Since 1997, the event has contributed nearly $8 million to deserving causes. Moreover, the marathon weekend significantly benefits the local economy, generating an economic impact exceeding $1.3 million.

For more information about the Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon and its charitable efforts, please visit MaineMarathon.com.

 

The Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay is a Maine Track Club event. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, all-volunteer Maine Track Club is Maine’s largest and most active running club. Since 1997, the Maine Marathon has donated more than $7 million to local Maine charities. Over 50 volunteer race coordinators plan the event during the year and over 900 volunteers support the event on race weekend.

The 2025 event will be the 34th edition – making this one of the longest running marathon events in New England. Volunteers act as race directors as well as handling the logistics of race day, organizing the expo, helping to find sponsors and more.

The event features an out-and-back course with rolling hills and views of the Portland skyline, the Back Cove, Casco Bay, and peak fall foliage. The Marathon is USATF certified and a Boston Marathon qualifier. The Half Marathon is also USATF certified, and the Marathon Relay is a unique 2 to 4-person marathon-length event.

Learn more at MaineMarathon.com.