St. Joseph Hospital's Commit to Community: 5K Walk, 5K Run, 10K Run and Kids Obstacle Course

The financial goal of the 2025 Commit to Community is to raise funds sufficient to cover the majority of the SAFE program expenses. With a team of talented, certified sexual assault forensic examiners (each is also a registered nurse (RN)) who provide coverage at the St. Joseph Hospital emergency department on a 24/7 basis, we must raise at least $250,000. Raising at least $250,000 this year is therefore the goal. This will require an extraordinary effort to achieve.

The secondary goal is to have phenomenal participation from: children doing the Kids' Obstacle Course; from young adults and adults doing the 5K Walk, 5K Run, and 10K Run; and from volunteers. A large crowd sends the message to the community that this cause - caring for victims of violence - is an important cause to our community.

The final goal is to have fun by encouraging fitness and wellness. While no longer called the Commit to Get Fit, this event definitely is a celebration of wellness and healthy living in our community. It is a family event. It encourages participation from area schools and universities, and it all takes place in some of the most beautiful parts of Bangor. All one needs to do is look at photos from past Commit events, and it becomes clear that this event is a really fun time for all.

The 6th Annual Commit to Community (new name) took place on Sunday, September 29th. 694 people registered, and 189 people volunteered. Nearly $228,000 was raised for the St. Joseph Healthcare SAFE program, which will help to ensure a strong level of resources for the coming year.

The fundraiser who raised the most money was Eliana Nesin-Bird, who has been the champion fundraiser each of the event's six years.  Well done, Eliana!

The team with the most members was Run that STAT! - 32 individuals!  Congratulations! The District Attorney team was in second place, with 19 team members. 

There were three water stops, and these were overseen by Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees, Husson University cross-country athletes, and Bangor High cross-country athletes. 

Photos were taken by David Koffman, MD, Rebecca Parent, Ryan Haskell, and Amanda Millay. Those photos are available to review. Music was provided by two fantastic DJs - Raymond Grindle and Steven Boddy. The Children's Obstacle Course was developed and overseen by Kimberly Smith. Our Event Manager was Jana May, and our Race Director for the sixth year was Brad Ryder.

Listen and watch several St. Joe's SAFE nurses and one of our community partners talk about the importance of the program.