PORTLAND – TD Banknorth recently announced that it has chosen STRIVE, a non-profit organization that serves developmentally disabled youth, as the beneficiary for this year’s TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race.

Race officials also announced that 2007’s special 10th anniversary TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon, one of New England’s marquee road races, will take place on Saturday, August 4. Online registration is already underway.

STRIVE’s mission is to assist teens and young adults with intellectual and emotional disabilities in utilizing resources within their community so they can participate as viable members of the community. Based in South Portland, STRIVE presently serves 400 teens and young adults, providing social opportunities through a safe and chem-free environment, employment training, educational classes and other programs.

TD Banknorth, through the TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation, will provide a cash donation of $30,000. Also, STRIVE, as race beneficiary, will benefit from fundraising activities and publicity.

“We were so impressed by the invaluable work being done by STRIVE, a fine organization worthy of this recognition,” said David Ott, president of TD Banknorth in Maine. “The assistance they are providing to these Maine teens and young adults is vital to helping them learn the skills they need to thrive in their communities. We’re so pleased to be able to use this year’s special 10th anniversary race to shine a light on STRIVE.”

Founded in 1999, STRIVE offers a range of programs and services to

developmentally disabled young people throughout southern Maine. Programs include:

* Wednesday Nigh Educational Series – Taught by local experts on

such topics as healthy relationships, computers and money management.

* BookWorks! – An employment training program that allows young

people to run a used bookstore.

* Nationally-recognized STRIVE U – Maine’s first post-secondary

program for young people with developmental disabilities.

* CAMP STRIVE – A new program offering a school vacation and summer day camp program.

* Friday Night Social Events – Giving young people an opportunity to

meet and make new friends from throughout southern Maine.

* Weekend Community Events – Trips, outings and events aimed at

promoting socialization.

“STRIVE is proud to serve an important need in our community,” said Peter Brown, STRIVE Program Manager. “We feel so honored to be selected by TD Banknorth, which has a wonderful record as a corporate citizen of Maine, as a partner for this world-class event. The bank’s generosity is quite overwhelming.”

For more information about STRIVE, visit www.pslstrive.org

Copy the Story Link