Behind every mile, every dollar raised, and every participant is a story worth showing up for. Together, we rally, honor, and celebrate 18 years of supporting cancer patients, their loved ones, care partners, and survivors with comfort, connection, compassion, and choice—always at no cost.

IN PERSON EVENT

In-person event located in Lewiston, Maine featuring 5K/10K run/walk and ride events on Saturday, September 19th

Dempsey Challenge Registration Includes:

Participant t-shirt

Fundraising Incentives

Fundraising Guide to help you achieve your fundraising goals!

Beverage ticket to enjoy a Maine craft beer, mimosa or bloody Mary (or Colton + Levi’s Lemonade Stand!)

Maine-inspired finisher meal in the Food + Beverage Tent

VIRTUAL EVENT

Virtual event you complete on September 19th, anywhere and in any way you choose!

Virtual Dempsey Challenge Registration Includes:

Fundraising Guide to help you achieve your fundraising goals

Fundraising Incentives, shipped to you

Achieve $150 in fundraising and receive an official bib and Dempsey Challenge Finisher’s patch, shipped to you!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

Register for the in-person Dempsey Challenge, join virtually from anywhere, or take part as a volunteer. For every story, there’s a way to show up. Together, as a global community, we challenge ourselves to rally around those impacted by cancer and help ensure everyone has access to the support they deserve.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Four easy steps to get in on the fun!

1. Choose Your Challenge

We offer different participation levels suited for all skill levels!

Walk/Run a  5K or Run a 10K

Ride a 25mi (Wendy’s Way), 50mi, or 65mi cyling road routes OR choose a 30-ish or advanced 55 mi gravel ride!

Virtual Participants can participate in any activity from anywhere in the world – and support people impacted by cancer.

2. Register

Registration is currently open. When registering as an adult participant, you’re committing to a fundraising minimum.

3. Choose a Team Type

Participate on your own, join a team, or create your own team.

About Teams

There is no limit to how many members can be on a team.

Teams can be a mix of walkers, runners, riders, and virtual participants.

Each team member is responsible for their own fundraising minimum for their chosen event.

4. Fundraise

Fundraising commitments vary by event but participants have until event day, September 19th, to meet or exceed their minimum.

Your commitment and generosity supports the Dempsey Center’s mission to make life better for people managing a cancer impact.

 Register

KEY DATES

Friday, September 11, 2026 5:00 PM ET Team Packet Pickup registration deadline; Registration change deadline

Thursday, September 17, 2026 12:00 PM ET Deadline to be recognized as Dempsey Challenge individual or team award winner*; Deadline for College Cup and High School Challenge*; Deadline to raise $3,000+ to receive A Night of Love + Light Champion event invitation*

September 19, 2026 5:00 PM ET Final incentive deadline *All funds must be received by the deadline date and time

GORHAM, ME – Goodwill Northern New England (NNE) will celebrate the grand reopening of its newly renovated Gorham store with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at 102 Main Street, Gorham, Maine.

The ceremony will recognize Goodwill’s continued investment in the Gorham community, celebrate the store’s enhanced shopping experience, thank community partners and supporters, and mark the official reopening of the location following its renovation.

The program will feature remarks from Goodwill leadership Tripp Harrison, President & CEO, and Keith Crowley, Director of Development & Community Engagement, as well as community representative Kelly McCormack from the Portland Regional Chamber, highlighting the organization’s local impact and its continued investment in Gorham’s future.

Following the remarks, there will be a ribbon cutting to officially reopen the store, with photo opportunities to follow.

The celebration continues throughout the day with gift card giveaways to the first 50 shoppers, free stickers, an appearance from Goodwill NNE mascot Puffy G, and more.

Goodwill’s retail stores are a key driver of the organization’s mission. Revenue generated through donations and store sales helps fund programs that support individuals seeking employment, career advancement, and greater economic independence across Maine, New Hampshire, and northern Vermont.

Event Details:

What: Ribbon-cutting and grand reopening celebration

When: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 9:00 a.m.

Where: Goodwill Gorham store, 102 Main Street, Gorham, Maine

Who: Tripp Harrison, President & CEO; Keith Crowley, Director of Development & Community Engagement; Kelly McCormack, Portland Regional Chamber

GORHAM, ME – The Reed Allen Community Fund Golf Ball Drop is back for 2026, and it lands right in the middle of Homecoming.

Hundreds of numbered golf balls are released from a Gorham Fire Department ladder truck high above a target at midfield, and where your ball comes to rest decides what you win.

You do not need to be present to win. Every ball is tracked by its unique code, so you can buy from anywhere and we will reach out if your ball lands a prize.

Prizes: $1,000 Grand Prize for the ball closest to the hole; $250 Gift Card for the second closest to the hole; $50 Gift Card for the ball that lands the furthest away

Help us reach $20,000 for Gorham families!

How It Works

Buy your golf balls. Pick up a single ball or grab one of our discounted packages. Each ball is assigned a unique code that is yours for the drop.

Watch the drop. At halftime, every ball is released at once from the Gorham Fire Department ladder truck. They bounce, they scatter, and the whole stadium leans in.

Win prizes. The closer your ball is to the hole, the bigger the prize, and there is a special prize for the ball that lands the furthest away.

Sponsor the Drop

Sponsors receive recognition at the event and across Reed Allen Community Fund promotional materials.

Target Sponsor, $1,500: your name on the target at the hole. Only one available.

Flag Sponsor, $1,000: your name on the flag at the hole. Only one available.

Bag Sponsor, $750: your name on the drop bag suspended above the hole. Only one available.

Golf Cart Sponsor, $750: your name on the golf cart at the event. Only one available.

Corporate and Family Sponsor, $300: a 20 ball pack plus sponsor recognition.

GORHAM, ME – Our automated trash and recycling cart deliveries began on Monday, August 31st, and will continue over the next couple of weeks! Public Works and the team from Rehrig are working hard to ensure every eligible address has their new carts before the automated collection officially kicks off.

Here is what you need to know about delivery and the upcoming schedule:

Cart Deliveries:

No exact arrival day: We do not know the exact day your specific carts will arrive. The crew is delivering by route days, which are split into several lists between two delivery trucks.

Collection Timeline & Schedule Changes:

September 7th – September 10th: Normal tag collection will take place Monday through Thursday.

Friday, September 11th: The NEW Friday route will be collected for the very first time.

Monday, September 14th: Automated collection officially begins for everyone else! Your first pickup with the new carts will be on this day, unless your schedule has permanently changed to Friday.

Check your schedule: We are transitioning to a 5-day schedule. Please make sure you check the updated trash collection schedule on the Town of Gorham Webpage to see if your neighborhood’s route day has changed!

Important Reminder: Please do not use your new carts until automated collection officially begins for your route day!

Cart Placement Instructions: Before that first collection day arrives, please review the placement list below to see exactly how Casella requires the carts to be positioned at the curb for the automated mechanical arms.

STANDISH, ME – One of the best ways to enhance your property, protect local water quality, and create habitat for Maine’s wildlife is by planting wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that are native to Maine. Portland Water District is partnering with Maine Audubon to bring the native plants closer to those living around Sebago Lake with a Native Plant Sale in Standish. A wide selection of plants will be available, and Maine Audubon and Portland Water District staff will be on hand to help visitors choose plants suited to their property.

Anyone living in the Sebago Lake watershed who purchases plants can go home with a complimentary yard sign to proudly display their stewardship of Sebago Lake and Maine’s wildlife with native plants.

Even better, 10% of proceeds from the sale will support Sebago Clean Waters, a collaborative of 11 organizations, including PWD, working to conserve forests, support forest stewardship, and restore stream connectivity and habitat in the Sebago Lake watershed. SCW staff and information will be on hand at the event!

Saturday, September 12, 2026

10 am – 2 pm

Johnson Field

88 Chadbourne Road, Standish ME

Explore current plant inventory, some of which will be available for the event, and grant opportunities: https://www.pwd.org/sebago-lakescaping-program/

WESTBROOK, ME – Join us for a special Halloween comedy night, featuring the amazing Dan Boulger! Grab your tickets early, our last show SOLD OUT!

Mast Landing Brewing Co. in Westbrook presents a special Halloween Comedy Night featuring the amazing Dan Boulger, hailed as the best comedian in New England, along with a lineup of talented supporting acts.

Costumes aren’t required, but we encourage you to dress up for a chance to win prizes for the best costumes!

Dan Boulger (MA)

Matt McArthur (MA)

Julia Calasanti (VT)

Saturday, October 31st 2026, doors at 6:30 PM, show at 7 PM

Tickets $20 / $25 at the door (ticket price reflects the total cost, including all fees)

HEADLINER: Dan Boulger

Dan Boulger is a Boston-based stand-up comedian who began performing in 2004 while still in college. After winning the Boston Comedy Festival, he became a regular favorite in New England and went on to perform on Comedy Central, the BBC, CBS’s Late Late Show, and the HBO Aspen Comedy Festival.

FEATURING: Matt McArthur

Matt discovered his love of doing stand up comedy as a college student, and since has been performing at clubs and venues all over New England.

As well as being a comedian, Matt also became a professional bagpiper at a young age, and since has been performing at churches and cemeteries all over New England.

A regular on the Boston comedy scene, Matt has shared the stage with names such as Annie Lederman, Lenny Clark, and Jim Gaffigan

HOST AND OPENER : Julia Colasanti

Julia Colasanti has performed at comedy clubs and back-alley bars from Madison, Wisconsin to Portland, ME opening for some of the greats like Amy Miller, Casey Balsham and Yamaneika Saunders. Her monthly, themed comedy show at Lincolns in Burlington, VT won “Best Produced Show in Vermont” and she’s currently finishing up her new hour. Follow her at @colasanticomedy to keep up with the Colasanti!

FALMOUTH, ME – University of Maine Cooperative Extension will host a workshop exploring the colorful world of dye gardening on Saturday, September 19 from 2–4 p.m. at the UMaine Gardens at Tidewater Farm, 200 Presumpscot Point Road in Falmouth.

Growing plants for natural dyes is a rewarding way to combine gardening, creativity and traditional craft while discovering the surprising range of colors that can be produced. In this interactive class led by fiber farmer, artist and natural dye grower Eileen Flanagan, participants will learn about popular dye plants, growing requirements and how to create a diverse natural color palette using flowers, leaves and other plant materials. The workshop will also explore the basics of the natural dyeing process, along with the history and creative possibilities of botanical dyes. Participants will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience creating a botanically printed silk scarf using fresh dye plants and flowers. All materials will be provided.

The registration fee is $50 and advance registration is required. More information and registration are available on the Natural Dye Garden webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Pamela Hargest at pamela.hargest@maine.edu or 207.949.4524.

Fiber farmer, artist and natural dye grower, Eileen Flanagan, will lead a workshop on growing and using plants for natural dyeing on September 19 at the UMaine Gardens at Tidewater Farm in Falmouth. Photo courtesy University of Maine Cooperative Extension / Pamela Hargest.

PORTLAND, ME – The American Red Cross urges people to celebrate the power of kindness by making an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets. Every donation is critical to helping prevent the next blood shortage.

The Red Cross and Hello Kitty® and Friends are partnering in September to remind donors that comfort and care are always better when shared. Just one blood or platelet donation can help more than one patient enjoy a happier future. As a thank-you, those who come to give through Sept. 20, 2026, will get an exclusive Red Cross × Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty.

Thanks to the generosity of thousands of people who rolled up a sleeve this summer, the blood supply continues to recover from critically low levels. As we enter September, the blood supply remains vulnerable — especially as we approach new seasonal challenges such as back-to-school activities that can cause donors to be less available to give, and the ongoing potential for tropical systems in the Atlantic, which can further threaten the blood supply by disrupting blood drives. By making and keeping appointments now, donors can help the Red Cross ensure lifesaving blood products are on hand wherever they are needed, including communities where donations may not be possible due to severe summer weather and natural disasters.

One small act of kindness can travel far. Spark joy and book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept.1-20:

Cumberland

Bridgton

9/3/2026: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St

Brunswick

9/10/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant Street

Falmouth

9/9/2026: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Lunt Auditorium, 74 Lunt Road

Gorham

9/3/2026: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Cressey Road Christian Church, 81 Cressey Road

9/17/2026: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Cressey Road Christian Church, 81 Cressey Road

Gray

9/15/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., American Legion Gray, 15 Lewiston Rd

Scarborough

9/15/2026: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., The Rock Church, 66 Gorham Rd

South Portland

9/15/2026: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., South Portland Community Center, 21 Nelson Road

Westbrook

9/11/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge Street

Windham

9/4/2026: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Windham, 755 River Road

9/16/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., North Windham Veterans Center, 35 Veterans Memorial Drive

Yarmouth

9/4/2026: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., American Legion Post 91, 196 Main St

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GORHAM, ME – The Woman’s Club of Gorham is collecting donations for domestic victims. This box is located at the Baxter Library. We are always looking for new members; our 1st meeting is Sept. 10 at 12 noon at the Gorham Rec. building in the Kitchen room. There will be signs. Also you don’t have to live in Gorham.

WESTBROOK, ME – Join Presumpscot Regional Land Trust for Maine Outdoor Film Festival’s (MOFF) Community Currents at Riverbank Park in Westbrook featuring our very own film “The Alewife Journey: A Conservation Success Story.”

Part of MOFF’s Community Currents Series, this evening of short films followed by a panel discussion will explore how science, experience and migratory fish are helping to inform our understanding of how to care for rivers.

Date: Friday, September 11, 2026

Rain date: Sunday, September 13, 2026

Time: 6:00-8:15 p.m. (additional schedule details below)

Location: Riverbank Park – Main St, Westbrook, ME

Parking: Parking spaces are available throughout the park itself, and public parking lots are located on either side of the park. Please adhere to any posted “no parking” signs.

Tickets: $10 suggested donation

Presented by: Discover Downtown Westbrook, Sebago Clean Waters and Friends of the Presumpscot River

PANEL DISCUSSION – 6:00PM to 7:00PM

Explore how science, experience and migratory fish are helping to inform our understanding of how to care for rivers. Moderated by Will Elting of Sebago Clean Waters with representatives from Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and Lakes Environmental Association.

FILM PROGRAM – 7:00PM to 8:15PM

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: THE CROOKED RIVER SALMON STRONGHOLD | by Erik Heumiller | This is the story of the Edes Falls Dam removal on the Crooked River — and the plans, hopes, challenges, and partners that helped ensure miles of river remained accessible for wild landlocked salmon in Maine. The film explores the dam removal from multiple perspectives along the river, to foster a better understanding of these restoration efforts, as conservationists look upstream to what’s next.

THE ALEWIFE JOURNEY: A CONSERVATION SUCCESS STORY | by Frame Media | Follow the incredible migration of alewives as they journey from Casco Bay up the Presumpscot River, navigating through Mill Brook to reach Highland Lake, offering a fascinating look at one of Maine’s most important seasonal wildlife events.

KENNEBEC RISING | by Derek Dodge | “Kennebec Rising” traces the historic transformation of a vital Maine river and the powerful restoration efforts shaping its free flowing future.

NATIVE TO THE KLAMATH | by Michael E Wier, Ben Galland | “Native to the Klamath” is a story told through the voices of the salmon people. The Klamath River is currently going through one of the largest transformations in history. Native to the Klamath intertwines environmental restoration, reconciliation ecology, social justice, and traditional ecological knowledge. Hear the story of this river renewal through the words of the Klamath River peoples who live by the sacred obligation of stewardship.

LOVE LETTER TO A WILD MAINE RIVER | by Mihku Paul

OLD LADIES AGAINST UNDERWATER GARBAGE | by Liz McGregor | Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage follows Susan Baur, the 85-year-old leader, and her crew of fearless women as they defy limits, protect the environment, and rediscover wonder and joy through water and community. A reminder that adventure and activism know no age.