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 The Ecology School, Maine Children’s Cancer Program, Veggies to Table, and YMCA Camp of Maine are the primary race beneficiaries for 2023.

• The Ecology School Saco – $20,000 – transforms how people of all ages view science, food, and the environment through joyful, hands-on learning. With a focus on the interdependence of all living organisms and their relationship with the environment, learners gain a deep understanding of the natural world and explore ways to build sustainable communities.
• Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP) Portland – $20,000 – is the pediatric oncology program of The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center, Maine’s premier treatment center for children diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders. MCCP focuses on three areas 1) providing children with the best cancer treatments available, 2) participating in clinical research to improve survival rates and move closer to a cure, and 3) supporting the entire family throughout their journey with childhood cancer.
• Veggies to Table Newcastle – $15,750 – is a grow-to-donate farm that creates lasting community connections through its volunteer program and provides education around healthy food. The organization brings normalcy and restores dignity to individuals and families who have lost control over the most basic of choices and decisions – what to eat. Its goal is to provide universal access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for everyone.
• YMCA Camp of Maine Winthrop – $4,250 – is dedicated to fulfilling the principles symbolized by the YMCA triangle – the development of MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT for all. Located on the shores of Lake Cobbosseecontee, the camp is situated on over 250 acres of pine tree forests, meadows, and freshwater ponds.

“These organizations profoundly impact Maine’s children, young adults, and families by providing education, sustenance, life-saving treatment, and fun. All necessary components of a thriving community,” said deCastro. “They are a force for good – as we aim to be – in the communities they serve.”

“As a nonprofit race, almost 40% of our revenue goes to nonprofit organizations each year. That’s due to the generous role our valued partner, Gorham Savings Bank, plays,” said Dunfey. “Since 1997, this effort has helped us raise more than $6.3 million for worthy causes. The total economic impact on the local economy from the marathon weekend is more than $1.3 million.”

Marathon beneficiaries directly benefit from registration fees, but they also rally volunteers to help with anything from water stations to clean up during race weekend. The 100% volunteer-run race relies on more than 800 volunteers, the vast majority of which are sourced from nonprofit partners.

The race takes place on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 7:45am in Portland. Visit MaineMarathon.com to register to run.