Throughout the Dempsey Challenge event, we’ll take time and space to HONOR TOGETHER: the friends, family, and loved ones whose lives have been impacted by cancer.

Amanda Dempsey Award

2023 AMANDA DEMPSEY AWARD WINNER: TONY ACHILLE

Named in memory of Patrick Dempsey’s mother Amanda Dempsey, the award is presented to a cancer survivor who has a passion for helping Mainers with cancer. Although Amanda was reserved and humble, she had a warm presence, and was passionate about giving back to her community.

Past winners include Trevor Maxwell (2022), Sue Craib (2021), Jon Henry (2020), Priscilla “Pat” Rollins (2019), Barbara Deschenes (2018), Christina Parrish (2017), Brooke Ismail (2016), Dr. James Campbell (2015), Nel Bernard (2014), Hailey Sontag (2013), Kristen Short (2012), Laura Davis (2011), Scott Thomas (2010), and Carlene Sperry and Allen Lariviere (2009).

Signs of Hope + Healing

At the Dempsey Challenge, you’ll see wonderful messages of support and love lining the Riverwalk and portions of the run/walk and ride routes. Signs of Hope + Healing are an important reminder of what the Dempsey Challenge and Dempsey Center are all about – showing support for those impacted by cancer.

Dempsey Challenge participants, spectators, volunteers – anyone impacted by cancer – are invited to create a sign for display throughout Dempsey Challenge weekend.

IMPORTANT: Signs must be received by the following time in order to guarantee placement:

Dempsey Center, Lewiston: Friday, September 20, 7PM ET

Dempsey Center, South Portland: Thursday, September 19, 7PM ET

Please refer to the Submission Packet (see button below) for instructions and submission form. You’ll include it along with your sign and mounting bracket one of two ways:

Mail to: Dempsey Center, 29 Lowell St. 5th Floor, Lewiston, ME 04240

Drop off at the Dempsey Center in Lewiston or So. Portland during normal business hours.

Patrick Dempsey with his mother, Amanda Dempsey

Did you know it takes over 500 volunteers to make the Dempsey Challenge a reality? As a volunteer, you can choose from a number of opportunities to help make a difference. Volunteering is an amazing way to connect, have fun and help make lives better for people impacted by cancer.

Volunteer opportunities will be available from September 16-22 for the 2024 event.

Are you ready to volunteer?

Go to dempseycenter.org and click “Register to Volunteer” to be directed to our Volunteer Management Software. From there, please navigate to the left-hand side of the page to create your account. After completing your application, you will be able to select the Volunteer Opportunity you’d like to apply for and follow the steps from there!

Why Volunteer?

Our volunteers say they LOVE being part of the Dempsey Challenge’s fun and supportive community and picking a shift that works for them. It’s a powerful way to make a difference, make new friends, and help make life better for people impacted by cancer!

Is There a Job for Me?

Yes! Volunteering is for everyone. Coworkers, neighbors, families, friends, and more. Work a rest stop, cheer for participants, or help us go green with our Green Team! We have short and long shifts, before and during the event, for all ages and abilities.

Can Volunteers Join a Team?

Yes! Although it is never required, volunteers are always welcome to be part of a Dempsey Challenge team. You can join riders, walkers, runners, and virtual participants for even more fun and fundraising. Or – make a team of all volunteers and set a team fundraising goal!

Want More Information?

You can find many more details by taking a look at Volunteer Guide. Still have questions? Feel free to email us at info@dempseychallenge.org. We are always happy to help!

RALLY TOGETHER: 5K RUN/WALK PRESENTED BY UNUM

     Join us for an inspirational 5K that starts and ends at the Festival in the Park. Presented by Unum. Feeling ambitious? Join our Dempsey Duathlon featuring a 4.5 mile run and 21.5-mile ride DOUBLE the fun!

In-person event located in Lewiston, Maine featuring run/walk and ride events on Saturday, September 21st.

Register at Dempseycenter.org

RALLY TOGETHER: RIDE EVENTS

Choose your own adventure! Join us on Saturday, September 21st for a 15-, 25-, 35-, 50-, 65-mile metric century bike ride or Wendy’s Way – a family-friendly out-and-back ride 5-mile ride with an epic rest stop.

Feeling ambitious? Take on the Dempsey Duathlon featuring a 4.5 mile run and 21-mile ride DOUBLE the fun!

In-person event located in Lewiston, Maine featuring run/walk and ride events on Saturday, September 21st.

RALLY TOGETHER: TAKE THE CHALLENGE

Back again this year–the ultimate challenge for your inner athlete. Register for our take on a Duathlon, presented by Geiger, and crush 2 events in 1–a 4.5-mile run followed by at 21.5-mile ride!

About the challenge

The Dempsey Duathlon is a 25-mile course that you’ll split into a 4.5-mile run to a rest stop where you’ll change your gear and finish the remaining 21.5 miles in a challenging ride to the finish.

General Information:

Event is limited to 150 participants – so register today!

Must be at least 15 years of age to participate

4.5 mile run must be completed in 1-hour (roughly a 12 minute/mile pace)

Bag and bike drop off at designated rest stop to take place early Saturday morning (details to come)

Bag Valet will be available

Personal items left behind for the ride portion will be bagged and labeled

Bagged items will be transported and available for pickup at the Bag + Bike Tent at the finish line

In-person event located in Lewiston, Maine featuring 5K run/walk and 21-mile ride on Saturday, September 21st.

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; Maine-inspired finisher meal in the Food + Beverage Tent

VIRTUAL DEMPSEY CHALLENGE

It’s easy to participant as a Virtual Challenger! On September 21st, pin on your bib, snap a selfie while you complete your activity and submit your results. All Virtual Challengers who raise at least $300 and complete the Virtual Dempsey Challenge will receive an exclusive Virtual Challenge Finisher patch.                                          

Register by 9/1 to receive t-shirt and official bib by Challenge weekend.    

On September 21st, complete your activity from wherever you are in the world.             

Take a picture as you participate in the Global Challenge.             

Submit your results by 5:00 PM ET on 9/21 to receive an exclusive Global Challenge Finisher patch.

 All virtual challengers receive: Participant t-shirt and bib shipped to you; Fundraising Incentives shipped to you; Fundraising Tool Kit to help you achieve your fundraising goals!

Virtual Challengers who raise at least $300, complete and submit their activity will receive an official Global Challenge Finisher patch

2024 JIBE CYCLING STUDIO SPINATHON

Saturday, September 21st

CLASS TIMES: 7am | 8am | 9am | 10am | 11am | 12pm

LOCATION: Simard-Payne Police Memorial Park, 46 Beech St., Lewiston, ME 04240

We can’t WAIT to bring our 5th (can you believe it?!) Annual Spinathon to the DEMPSEY CHALLENGE for 2024!

So gather your teams of 2 to 3, or get ready to ride as an individual and join one of the biggest and most impactful events of the year. 100% of the funds raised by YOU help provide personalized, holistic services at no cost to cancer patients, their loved ones, and care partners.

Teams of 2-3 will collectively cycle for 6 consecutive hours, and if you ride as an individual, you can participate in any (or all) of the 6 classes during the day!

*Individual and Team Registration is NOW OPEN!*

 About the event

The Spinathon has quickly become a premier annual fundraising event for Jibe Cycling Studio and its community. Over the past 4 years, the event has raised over $175,000 for cancer organizations. This year’s event will benefit the Dempsey Center as an official fundraiser for the 2024 Dempsey Challenge.

Once you register online, your team fundraising page will automatically be created for you! Every single dollar you raise will help the Dempsey Center provide personalized, holistic services at no cost to cancer patients, their loved ones and care partners.

 BONUS! As an official fundraiser and extension of the Dempsey Challenge, all Spinathon participants will receive: Official Spinathon Hat Adult Beverage ticket in the Maine Craft Beer, Wine + Mimosa Tent; Access to all Dempsey Challenge Fundraising Incentives

This year’s Dempsey Challenge marks 16 years of making life better for people impacted by cancer.

Come together on this one, powerful day to rally, honor, and celebrate 16 years of providing comfort, connection, compassion, and choice to cancer patients, their loved ones, care partners, and survivors—all at no cost.

DEMPSEY CHALLENGE     

In-person event located in Lewiston, Maine featuring run, walk and ride events on Saturday, September 21st.         

VIRTUAL DEMPSEY CHALLENGE

Virtual event you complete on September 21st, from anywhere and in any way you choose. Join our global community as we support people impacted by cancer.

Sign up at dempseycenter.or

LEWISTON, ME –  Recognizing the life-saving work of GAHS and honoring those who support our mission, the Golden Paw Awards provide a fun evening out while raising awareness and much-needed funds to help vulnerable pets in our community.

Join us on Thursday, September 12th, as we honor the 2024 Golden Paw Award Recipients. Enjoy a delicious dinner catered by Grazi To Go, a silent auction featuring items generously donated by local businesses and donors, comedy, trivia, plus a performance by Maine’s very own Julia Gagnon of American Idol fame.

Held at the historic Royal Oak Room in Lewiston, the evening will start with a cocktail hour at 5 pm. Spend time chatting with fellow GAHS supporters, placing bids in the silent auction, and striking a pose with friends in the Gingersnaps Photo Booth—all before dinner at 6 pm. Then, prepare for our awards presentations and entertainment to follow the meal. The inaugural Golden Paw Awards in 2023 raised over $23,000 to help save the lives of homeless and needy animals in our community. Can we exceed that goal in 2024? We know that together we can!

“2024 has been a challenging year for shelters across the country and GAHS is no exception”, says Katie Lisnik, Executive Director. “Expenses are up, donations have trended downward, we’re experiencing high intakes and increasing demand for our services like the Pet Food Pantry. This event is not only to help us raise urgently needed funds- it is also to raise awareness of our work to help more needy pets in our community.”

Sponsored by Building Controls and Idexx and several other local businesses, the Golden Paw Awards will be a great night out for a great cause. Tickets are still available but are going quickly! https://gahumane.org/goldenpawawards/

AUBURN, ME – The Auburn Community Concert Band has announced that rehearsals for their Fall season will begin on Wednesday, September 11th. This is an ideal opportunity for former high school and college band musicians to again experience the enjoyment of making music and performing in front of large audiences. Currently, the Auburn band has a specific need for additional clarinet, trumpet and tuba players.

New members must be able to read music, and have their own instruments. Band membership requires a commitment to the group’s weekly schedule of Wednesday evening rehearsals. Rehearsals take place every Wednesday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the High Street Congregational Church, located between High and Pleasant Streets, in Auburn.

For the next couple of months, the band will be preparing for its annual holiday concert, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18th at the new Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center located at Edward Little High School in Auburn.

Currently, the ACCB has 48 members, ranging in age from late-teens to early eighties. These members collectively represent a total of 15 central and western Maine towns. Before joining this organization, many of the group’s volunteer musicians had last played in a school or community band some 10 to 20 years ago, according to band director Milt Simon. “New members are often nervous when they first join, because of the lapse of time since they last practiced,” said Simon. He added that “most people regain their playing skills relatively quickly.”

New members should email their intentions to Director Simon at auburncommunityband@gmail.com prior to attending their first rehearsal. Prospective members, who are unable to participate in any of the September rehearsals, will have a second opportunity to join the band during the group’s next “Open Membership Month”, happening in January.

The concert band is currently celebrating its 43rd season. The organization was established by Simon back in 1981. Additional information regarding membership can be found on the band’s website at www.auburncommunityband.com.

LISBON FALLS, ME — On September 7th , 2024 911 NEVER FORGET 501(c)3 – @911NFT’s 6th annual TRIBUTE TO OUR FALLEN event will take place at the Railroad Diner in Lisbon Falls starting at 9am. This unique event is a tribute to remember 9/11, the fire service, first responders, and military service men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice as a result of the 2001 tragedy. It is also a special ceremony to honor all Maine firefighters and pay respect to those lost nationwide. This year’s event is brought together by Fire & Iron Firefighters Motorcycle Club Stations 707 & 73, @911NFT, DOWN CELLAH®, The Railroad Pub & Grill, Backwoods Crew, Iron Horse Motorcycle Lawyers, Friends of Worumbo, and the Town of Lisbon and volunteers from our communities.

The event will start with a buffet breakfast offered at 9am at the Railroad Pub and then kickstands up at 10:30am for a ride departing Lisbon and heading to the Augusta Firefighters’ Memorial to pay respects and return to the Railroad Pub. This ride is expected to include just under 100 motorcycle riders and passengers. Upon the return to Lisbon, at approximately 12:45, the ride will return back to the Railroad Diner for a special bell ringing ceremony to honor those fallen in the line of duty. The afternoon will continue with live music from the band DOWN CELLAH® at approximately 2pm.

There will be a raffle as well with fantastic prizes. Funds raised will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and also benefit fire service members of Maine communities.

LEWISTON, ME – The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting residents from Lewiston, Auburn and neighboring communities to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Lakes & Mountains Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Simard Payne Park in Lewiston on September 14, 2024.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Drew Wyman, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter. “We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, and take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place at seven locations across Maine during September and October. In 2023, there were more than 150 registered participants for the Lakes & Mountains Walk to End Alzheimer’s which raised more than $45,000 despite the day-of event cancellation due to Hurricane Lee. This year the Lakes & Mountains Walk aims to raise $50,000.

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Maine, alone there are more than 29,600 people living with the disease and 51,000 caregivers.

Participants can choose to start a team, join a team, or walk as an individual. The Eastern Maine Walk to End Alzheimer’s will begin following the Promise Garden Ceremony at 10 a.m. To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/Maine/walk.

LEWISTON, ME— Nestled in the heart of Lewiston’s historic Little Canada neighborhood, the Franco Center stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Franco-American culture. Housed in the former St. Mary’s Church, a beautiful structure built over a century ago, the Franco Center is more than just a building—it’s a vibrant hub of culture, history, and community. 

The Franco Center 2024-25 season will kick off its 25th anniversary of bringing live performing arts to the community with the biggest hits of favorite Broadway shows on September 6 and 7 under the direction of Jake Hodgkin. 

Exceptional local performers in the 7 p.m. Best of Broadway shows include Jim Hodgkin, Jim McKinley, Eden Bauer, Jen LeBlanc, Jackie Preston, Jenn St. Pierre, Josh Witham, Heather Marichal, Jeff Fairfield, Torrey Gimpel, Michelle Breton, Madison Shepard, Ashleigh St. Pierre, Adrian Morneau, Wes Pierson, Elise Pierson, Lacey Moyse, Bette Sanborn, and dancers from Grace Center for Movement. 

Crew members for Best of Broadway include Director Jake Hodgkin, Assistant Director Bette Sanborn, Choreographer Samantha Herriot, Stage Manager Missy Hodgkin, Assistant Stage Manager Allison Marston, Sound Designer Mark Vigue, and Lighting Designers Jake Hodgkin and Sarah Greaton.

A pre-show reception with light appetizers will be held before the Saturday, Sept. 7 show only. Guests can meet some of the Best of Broadway cast at the reception. Tickets for this VIP reception can be added during the ticket ordering process online, in person, and over the phone. 

La Rencontre will return four times during the season, in September, December, March and June and will still be focused on French culture, performing arts, and languages coming together with a meal and some form of entertainment. “We are looking at having one of the La Rencontre events in the early evening hours,” said Theresa Shanahan, newly named executive director of the Franco Center.

A wine tasting will take place Sept. 26 with long-time volunteer Edmond Gay as host. He will discuss how to drink wine and the pairing of wine with food. Light appetizers will be served at this early evening event.

Fleetwood Mac fans should mark their calendars for the Crystal Vision tribute band’s concert on Oct. 12. Band members have been touted as not only sounding like the original band members, but also looking like them in appearance, too, Shanahan noted.

Returning to the Franco Center Oct. 27 is the community-based Fiddle-icious orchestra. Led by master fiddler Don Roy, accompanied by his wife Cindy on piano, the orchestra performs traditional tunes, dances, and songs passed down from Scottish, Irish, Quebecois, and Acadian ancestors. 

Coming to the Franco Center in mid autumn, Mystery 207 will bring its murder mystery dinner party to Heritage Hall. The murder mystery dinner party is on the calendar for Nov. 9.  The group’s publicist says the audience will be engaged as witnesses and get to participate in fun skits and check out physical evidence. 

More than 30 performers will sing, dance, act, and produce an energetic and festive Christmas production complete with an immersive light show directed by Jake Hodgkin. The Sights and Sounds of Christmas will take place Dec. 20, 21, and 22. Hodgkin said he wants the audience to “bring the Christmas spirit home” after attending this show.

Looking ahead to 2025, Dueling Pianos will perform Feb. 8. Two pianists will play songs from a variety of genres simultaneously on two pianos. The pianists take requests from the audience and make the show interactive.

In addition to Franco Center events, the venue has been rented for upcoming private events as well as these events open to the public: 

Sept. 13 Magnetize Maine Summit hosted by Uplift LA

Sept. 29 The Wounded Healer’s International Benefit Concert + Market

Oct. 19 Bridgton Experience Maine Four Seasons Ball

Oct. 26 Midcoast Symphony Orchestra

Nov. 2 Maine Music Society’s Battle of the Blends

Dec. 6, 7 The Dance Center’s Nutcracker

Dec. 14, 15 Maine Music Society Chorale A Season of Celebration

Jan. 18 Midcoast Symphony Orchestra

March 8, 9 Maine Music Society Out of the Ashes—Music Born of Tragedy

March 22 Midcoast Symphony Orchestra

May 10, 11 Maine Music Society—A Showcase of Americana

May 17 Midcoast Symphony Orchestra

“The Franco Center is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to honor and preserve our Franco-American heritage and welcome our neighbors from diverse cultures through live performances, celebrations, and education,” said Shanahan. “Since its founding in 2000, Franco Center board and staff have worked tirelessly to transform the building into a dynamic space that honors its past while serving the needs of today’s community.” 

The lower Heritage Hall, with its stage, dance floor, and versatile event space, has become a go-to venue for business functions, weddings, and community gatherings. Upstairs, the Performance Hall offers an intimate setting with fantastic acoustics, perfect for concerts, theater, and special events. 

“The Franco Center is a place where the past is honored, where culture thrives, and where the community comes together,” said Shanahan. “We hope to see our long-time supporters as well as new faces at this season’s events.”

Tickets can be purchased in person when the box office is open from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesday, online at www.francocenter.org, or by phone at 207-689-2000. The Franco Center is handicap accessible through its elevator entrance on the Lincoln St. Alley side of the building. Parking is in the mill lot on Oxford Street. The venue is at 46 Cedar Street in Lewiston.

The Franco Center is opening its 25th season on Sept. 6 and 7 with a Best of Broadway production. These local performers have rehearsed the biggest hits of Broadway shows all summer. A pre-show reception with light appetizers will be held before the Saturday, Sept. 7 show only. Tickets can be purchased in person from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesday, online at www.francocenter.org, or by phone at 207-689-2000. Franco Center photo.

LEWISTON, ME – LA Arts will be presenting the fourth of its five Art Walk LA events on August 30, 2024, from 5:00-8:00pm in downtown Lewiston. The public is invited to attend this free, family-friendly event that celebrates the arts in our community and supports local businesses.

Art Walk LA turns Lewiston’s downtown into a bustling arts district on the final Friday of each month from May through September. Outdoor plazas, sidewalks, local businesses, and storefronts are converted into lively art galleries, creative exhibitions, reception venues, and festive live performance spaces. Featuring both indoor and outdoor activities, the popular summer Art Walk LA series brings artists, craftspeople, musicians, buskers, art vendors, and other performers together to showcase their talents in a safe, family-friendly environment.

Must-See Art Walk Activities

To complement the rich array of fun activities that characterize every Art Walk, enjoy live arts experiences in these select locations:

LA Arts Gallery, 168 Lisbon Street: “Eclectic Thoughts,” an art exhibit featuring the work of Lewiston resident Robert J. Russell. Russell will be working on a painting in the gallery.

  Downtown Handmade, an artisan shop and gallery, 178 Lisbon Street, 2nd floor: New Works by artist Kate Cargile with music by Cryin Caleb Aaron

Quiet City Books, downstairs at 124 Lisbon Street: “Summer Light: Monhegan,” photography by Courtney Schlachter.

 “Wing Alley” (next to Mother India): Mr. Drew & His Animals Too.

The Vault, 84 Lisbon Street: Free wine tasting.

Dufresne Plaza, 72 Lisbon Street: Maine Taiko Drummers, Sun Journal balloon festival photo contest display, Aerial Jade, and more!

Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon Street: “I Wish My Teacher Knew” exhibit.

The Studio, 291 Lisbon Street: Works by Grayling Cunningham and local artists.

Wicked Illustrations, 140 Canal Street: Open House with work from resident and local artists.

Art Walk Street Vendors:

Caricatures by J. Fiori; Doris Veilleux; KT Sparks; Jason Alexander (Fog Breaker Studio); Strawberry Oddities; Yuliia Derkach; L/A Community Little Theatre; Cerberus Circus; Krista Lord; Adult and Teen Challenge; Brittany Longsdorf (live painting); Edna Sebastião; Clouds and Chains; Larissa Davis (live painting); Lynne Schmidt; Mey Hasbrook; Green Space Alchemy; Sandra Larue; Scott Fyfe