AUGUSTA, Maine –Maine State Credit Union, local hunger organizations, and the community joined together to end hunger in Maine at the 18th Annual Maine State Credit Union FeedME 5k at Capitol Park in Augusta, raising more than $60,000 to help 30 local organizations provide food assistance to local Mainers in need.
“The Feed ME 5k is my favorite fundraising event. It allows all local hunger groups to raise money for their organization, and each year I am surprised by the generosity of Mainers, said Stacey Dow, director of the FeedME 5k event.
The Feed Me 5k event is an approximately three-mile walk along Augusta's Kennebec River Rail Trail. “This is a family event; people bring dogs and push kids in strollers. It is a fun and relaxing way to help this great cause,” the credit union said. “This year we had over 150 who attended in person.”
Maine State Credit Union said it is one of the fundraising leaders for the Maine Credit Union League's ending hunger campaign. In 2022, Maine State CU raised $86,735.69; checks totaling this amount were distributed to local organizations at a breakfast event earlier this year.
“Stacey is very passionate about this cause,” said Stephen Wallace, President and CEO of Maine State Credit Union. “Each year at the MSCU Ending Hunger Breakfast event she delivers a heartfelt message that does not leave a dry eye in the room. Her desire to provide people H.O.P.E. (helping other people eat), is contagious, and just about every employee lends a hand to raise money or help hunger organizations in some way. It is great.”
The proceeds from the Feed ME 5k event and other events Maine State Credit Union holds through the year for this cause help to support backpack programs, meals-on-wheels, and stock food pantries at churches and other hunger locations throughout the greater Augusta area.
“Our goal for 2023 is to raise $100,000, said Dow. “We get close each year, and I hope this is the year we reach this milestone.”