Hundreds Rally in Bangor's Commit to Community Event for Vital Survivor Care

A crisp autumn day in Bangor saw hundreds of residents lace up their running shoes for a cause that hits close to home for many.

The 7th annual Commit to Community 5K and 10K event flooded Broadway Park with a sea of determined runners, walkers, and volunteers.

This wasn't just a race; it was a powerful statement of solidarity.

The event is the single most important fundraiser for the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program at St. Joseph Hospital.

This critical service provides 24/7 comprehensive and trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse across Eastern Maine.

With nearly 1,000 people pre-registered and an army of around 140 volunteers, the energy was palpable.

The need for this program has never been more urgent.

Hospital officials confirmed a startling 30 percent increase in patients needing SAFE services, with nurses having cared for more than 850 survivors last year alone.

Race director Brad Ryder noted the incredible growth of the event over the years.

“Seven years ago, a few hundred people would have been a success,” he remarked, reflecting on the community's ever-growing support.

It's a heartwarming display of how much people in Bangor believe in this cause.

The fundraising goal for the 2025 Commit to Community was set at an ambitious $250,000 to maintain staffing and expand the program's reach.

The community's response was overwhelming, raising a significant portion of that target through registrations and donations.

The funds directly support the certified SAFE nurses who collect evidence and provide unwavering support to victims during their most vulnerable moments.

For many participants, the cause is deeply personal, a way to invest back into the health and safety of their own community.

From a kids' obstacle course to the challenging 10K, the event truly offered a way for everyone in Bangor to get involved.

It was a perfect fall day for exercise and fun, but more importantly, it was a day for a community to stand together for a vital cause.