Sunday River Food Pantry Challenge Raises Over $24,000

Giving Tuesday marked the conclusion of the Sunday River Challenge in support of the Bethel Food Pantry, where the resort pledged to match donations up to $5,000. Along with the support of an anonymous donor who pledged to match another $5,000 in donations, the community raised over $24,121, far exceeding the original fundraising goal of $10,000. 

COVID-19 has altered the lives of families across the country, and the Bethel Food Pantry has been a key source for ensuring food security within the region. With the success of the Sunday River Challenge, the Food Pantry will be able to continue opening the first and third Wednesday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Throughout the pandemic, the resort has supplied over 7,000 meals to those in need across the greater Bethel region, and has provided additional funding to help stock the Food Pantry’s shelves.

“Donations came from near and far during the Sunday River Challenge,” says Dave Bean, a Gould Academy teacher and Bethel Food Pantry director. “We are all grateful that Sunday River is such an integral part of our community, and that the resort contributes so much to the safety and well-being of those who call Western Maine home.”

While the Sunday River Challenge may be complete, the Bethel Food Pantry always appreciates support. Donations can be made at any time on bethelfoodpantry.org.

“It’s our responsibility to take care of our neighbors, and we’re proud to be part of a community that can rally together in this way,” says resort president Dana Bullen.