Bob Dunfey, volunteer race director for the Maine Marathon, and Steve deCastro, president and CEO of Gorham Savings Bank, title sponsor since 2010, announced today that Stop Trafficking US, Through These Doors, Wayfinder Schools™, and World of Change are the primary race beneficiaries for 2022.

• Stop Trafficking US (Portland – $3,000) The organization was established by Catherine Ann Wilson to motivate people to stop the sexual abuse and exploitation of children through community education, prevention, and outreach.
• Through These Doors (Portland – $17,000) Works to end domestic violence in Cumberland County. TTD creates innovative responses that mobilize the community to promote safety, and challenge systems of oppression and violence. It envisions a world where all people are safe, respected, and supported in their relationships and communities.
• Wayfinder Schools™ (Brunswick, Camden, Machias – $20,000) Founded in 1973 by Emanuel Pariser and Dora Lievow, Wayfinder has become a state-and nationally recognized model of alternative education that has helped hundreds of Maine teens realize their goal of earning their high school diplomas.
• World of Change (Portland – $20,000) WoC’s mission is to help every individual discover, understand, and act on their capacity to dream of and create meaningful change. WoC focuses on providing essentials and support to children and families so they can succeed and thrive.

“Every dollar contributed to these nonprofits has the potential to help a Mainer in need of a hand-up, counseling, education, or even safety,” said deCastro. “That’s why GSB is so proud to support this event year after year. The race is truly a force for good in the communities we serve.”

“As a nonprofit race, almost 40% of our revenue goes to local charitable organizations each year. That’s due to the generous role our valued partner, Gorham Savings Bank, plays,” said Dunfey. “Contributions to the beneficiaries make a profound impact because for some of the smaller nonprofits it represents 15% of their revenue. Since 1997, this effort has helped us donate more than $5.8 million to worthy causes.”

Marathon beneficiaries benefit directly from registration fees, but they don’t just accept a check. They are expected to reciprocate by rallying volunteers to help with anything from water stops to clean up during race weekend. The race is 100% volunteer run and relies on 800+ volunteers, the vast majority of which are sourced from its nonprofit partners. Camp Susan Curtis, a summer camp for Maine children facing economic hardship, was awarded $20,000 in unexpected proceeds from the 2021 race and will stay on board as a 2022 beneficiary volunteer.

The race takes place on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 7:45am in Portland. Visit MaineMarathon.com to register to run.