Erin McGrath Woolley was a young member of our staff and an aspiring advocate for women who passed away in 2010. Each year, her family and friends organize a 5k race and walk to honor her memory, and donate the proceeds to Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance, the University of Maine Swimming and Diving Team, a Bangor High School scholarship fund and the swimming program at the Bangor YMCA.
Ben Sprague, a friend of Erin’s from high school who directs the race said, “To me the event is about celebrating the life of someone who was an inspiration to so many people. Erin Woolley was positive, energetic, thoughtful, compassionate, and had such a unique personality that was uplifting to everyone she came in contact with. The purpose of the event is to remember Erin and to preserve her legacy by raising money for the causes that were important to her, including Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance. We’re grateful that the community has come out in full force to support this event each year and we’re happy and proud to be able to raise so much money in Erin’s memory. In some ways it is a sad day each year, but we also try to be positive and to celebrate the life of this amazing woman and we end up having a lot of fun each year for Erin’s Run, which I think would make Erin happy and proud.”
In just four years, Erin’s run has raised $25,000 for the Alliance, money which has allowed us to continue the work that Erin valued when she was a part of our organization.
Registration is ahead of pace for last year, so if you’re interested in racing and want to reserve a t-shirt, be sure to sign up online soon! Race day is Saturday, May 6th on the Bangor Waterfront.
Sign up for Erin’s Run