New month and a whole new round of non-profits to highlight and fundraisers to raise awareness about!
This month, the focus is on a few different organizations that are making an impact in Greater Portland and beyond. With May being Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, there’s a couple of notable opportunities to honor, celebrate and empower Asian communities across the state. Additional items of interest this month include an opportunity to get giveback to nature post-Earth Day and as we head further into spring, an evening to raise money for breast cancer, and a fundraiser to combat the current roadblocks within the Maine lobstering community. It’s all highlighted below.
Here is our May Community Corner. Ways to give back this month locally including fundraisers, donations, and volunteer work.
We’re always looking for a lead! If you have a fundraiser, volunteer sign-up, or cause you’d like us to know about, email us at [email protected]
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Volunteer – Portland Trails
Photo: Portland Trails (@portlandmetrails)
Portland Trails is a non-profit urban land trust organization that is dedicated to connecting people with places in the Greater Portland region. Their mission is to create a healthier and better-connected community through a 70+ mile trail network that allows people to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. By building, maintaining, and protecting trails, Portland Trails provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, transportation, and education, while also preserving important natural habitats and open spaces. In addition, Portland Trails seeks to promote environmental stewardship, community engagement, and the economic vitality of the region.
You can learn more about Portland Trails including their mission and projects online.
Volunteer Opportunities
- PUBLIC TRAIL VOLUNTEER DAYS – Portland Trails holds Public Trail Volunteer Days one Saturday a month, April through October. Volunteers clip/prune plants, rake trail heads, move and spread trail surface materials, build small bridges, and cut and remove invasive plants. Sign-ups now available for the following volunteer days:
- Saturday, May 13th
- Saturday, June 3rd (National Trails Day!)
- GROUP VOLUNTEER DAYS – Interested in bringing your office, class, or team out on the trails? A day of trail work is a great opportunity for team-building and connects your group with the Portland community and local trails.
- TRAIL STEWARD PROGRAM – Trail Stewards are committed, knowledgeable trail users who work alongside staff to ensure the trails are consistently maintained. The primary responsibility of a Trail Steward is to monitor one assigned section of trail weekly by foot or by bike, keep track of any maintenance needs on their trail, and report back to Portland Trails.
- EVENT VOLUNTEERS – Help bring events to life each year!
- OFFICE VOLUNTEERS – Keep the administrative side of Portland Trails running smoothly. If you’re interested in volunteering in the office, please email [email protected] with your name, contact information, and your availability.
Sign up to volunteer online.
Unable to volunteer? Make a donation online!
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Donate – Unified Asian Communities
Photo: United Asian Communities
The UAC, or the Unified Asian Communities, is an organization run by a small team of dedicated volunteers who work to organize projects and events for Asian Mainers. The UAC’s vision is to create a world where Asians and Asian Americans stand together in solidarity, share knowledge and access, and participate in local movements that promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity.
Focusing on cultural exchange and language services through their Cultural Brokers and collaborates with other organizations in Maine to support the changing needs of the Asian community, the organization aims to empower individuals and communities by providing access to services and opportunities for engagement in their respective communities.
List of services include:
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Short/Long Term Disability Claims, FMLA: Assistance with filing for Short/Long Term Claims
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Resume Assistance: Help you edit or write your resume
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Referral Assistance: Pointing you in the right direction if UAC does not offer a service
You can make a donation online.
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Special Events + Fundraisers
1) AAPI Fundraising Dinner at Bar Futo
Photo: Bar Futo
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in May with the Bar Futo team with this first of its kind fundraising dinner!
Partnering up with Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate this dinner event will benefit the local organization, Unified Asian Communities Maine, an organization that aims to unify and empower Asian communities across Maine and the globe through civic engagement, community service, and member-led initiatives.
This 8-course dinner features acclaimed chefs from across the country, including Tracy Chang (Pagu), Christine Lau (The CLAU Group), Tim Ma (Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate, Lucky Danger, Chase the Submarine), Shuai Wang (Jackrabbit Filly, King BBQ), Sang Lee (Sushi Sang Lee), and Nikhil Naiker (Rhode Island Chef). Hosting chefs include Jordan Rubin (Mr. Tuna), Ian Driscoll (Bar Futo), Cyle Reynolds and Amadeus Florendo (Crispy Gai). Optional beverages include sake pairings by Alyssa Mikiko DiPasquale (The Koji Club), wine pairings by Courtney O’Neill (Devenish Wines), and cocktails by Bryce Summers (Bar Futo).
Bar Seating, Chef’s Counter and Table Seating available. Reservations online
When: Monday, May 8th at 5 PM
Where: Bar Futo, 425 Fore Street
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2) Bikes for Birgit – a Pan-Mass Challenge Kickoff Fundraiser at Maine Craft Distilling
Maine Craft Distilling is helping their good friend, Isa, raise money for the PanMass Challenge by hosting a fundraising event, Bikes for Birgit. The evening’s events will include live music, local raffle prizes, and cold drinks!
For those that may not know, during the PanMass Challenge participants will ride bikes to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Isa has been riding for five years and hopes to raise enough funds to reach a goal of $100,000. If she reaches her goal, together her and her late mother will have raised $100,000 between the two of them since 2018. Diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer in 2016, Isa’s late mother received incredible care at Dana Farber, this event aims to give back to those who have supported Isa’s mother and all survivors of breast cancer.
Come party with MCD for a great cause!
Donate online. Tickets are not required for the event.
When: Friday, May 5th at 5 PM
Where: Maine Craft Distilling
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3) Show & Tell 2023 with The Telling Room at the State Theatre
Show & Tell is back! An annual literary variety show hosted by The Telling Room, a nonprofit organization based in Maine that focuses on providing writing and publishing programs for young people. This 90-minute show brings together a variety of artists, including authors, musicians, and young writers associated with The Telling Room. This fundraising event is produced and directed by Sean Mewshaw and will be emceed by comedian Mo Awale and DJ Mosart212.
The 2023 edition of Show & Tell will feature performances by acclaimed authors Weike Wang and Lynn Steger Strong, as well as a musical guest experience from Olas. In addition, Telling Room Students & Alumni will also take part in the show. This event is a fundraising opportunity to support the organization’s writing and publishing programs for young people. All proceeds from the event go directly towards these programs, which have been recognized on a national level.
Tickets online
When: Tuesday, May 9th. Show starts at 7:30 PM while pre-party starts at 6:30 PM
Where: State Theatre, 609 Congress St.
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4) Band Together: A Celebration of Maine’s Lobstering Heritage
A rock n’ roll + lobster rolls FUNdraiser for Save Maine Lobstermen, a Maine Lobstermen’s Association campaign that is aimed at addressing the concerns within the Maine lobster industry, which is threatened by the recent federal regulations that require a drastic reduction in the risk to North Atlantic right whales.
The National Marine Fisheries Service released a ten-year whale plan in 2021, which calls for a 98% reduction in the risk of whale entanglement, which the lobster industry claims is an unachievable goal that could lead to the end of the industry. The Maine Lobstermen’s Association is suing the federal government, calling for the use of accurate science in developing the plan, so that the right whales can be protected without sacrificing the lobster industry and Maine’s lobstering heritage.
Afternoon’s fundraising event will include live music performances from local musicians, John Hughes Radio, Holy Smoke, One Hundred Thorns and Mike Maurice. Tickling your funny bone for the evening, Connor McGrath (2X Maine’s Funniest Comedian), and Adam Groppman (who has performed in many top shows and clubs, and national festivals) will be taking the stage. Additional delights include local bevvies, lobster rolls and a LOUD auction.
Tickets online
When: Sunday, May 7th at 2 PM – 6 PM
Where: Elks Lodge #188, 1945 Congress St.
