The first annual Courageous Steps Fundraiser, held at Old Town High School's NEW Victory Field facility on Sunday, May 18, 2014, was a big success. I, Connor Archer, want to thank the nearly 200 people that came that day, and I also want to thank the many more individuals who made very generous donations for this great cause. I am already looking forward to next year, as I will start planning that fundraiser this summer and fall. 

My Dream:
The Courageous Steps Walk/Run Fundraiser, to give back to programs that helped me during my early years (The Green House in Milford and Old Town Elementary Special Education Program), has been a dream of mine for quite some time. I have always loved to do projects and I have been doing projects my entire life, from designing gardens to landscaping and renovating things around my house, including an old work shed. I did not look at this project as work because creating, organizing and carrying out the event was not only fun, but tremendously rewarding. It made me proud to be able to go out into the community and speak with business owners about my project and ask for help to support the project. I was using the skills that I had been learning for years. For many individuals, working on such a project might have seemed daunting, but for me, each time I took a break from school work, I wanted to work on Courageous Steps because to by doing so I felt energized, excited and so happy. I recall one of my close friends saying how "happy and proud I was about this project" and that is so true because Courageous Steps is an extension of me and my drive, desire and determination to overcome obstacles and give back to a community that helped me to grow in so many ways! And, the really great thing, is that Courageous Steps has only just begun!

Sponsors: 
Thank you to the following sponsors for helping to make this fundraiser a reality. Your generous donations helped with the planning, organization and the event itself. The sponsors and companies who generously donated money include: Eastern Maine Counseling and Testing Services, Sargent Corporation, Dairy Queen in Old Town, Owen J. Folsom, Inc., Gaetani Eye Care Associates, Inc., Sweet Frog, Cyr Bus Line, Drinkwaters Auto Sale, The BoomHouse. We would also like to thank the following sponsors for donating giving gift cards and/or goods to the very successful raffle part of our fundraiser: Dairy Queen, Bells Orono IGA, Hannaford Supermarkets, Sam's Club, Specialty Sweets, Governors Restaurant, McDonalds, Subway, Spotlight Cinemas, Dominos Pizza, Target, Bangor Savings Bank, Dunkin Donuts, Tim Hortons, Pat's Pizza, Margaritas, The Roost, Old Town Archery, Woodman's Bar and Grill (Orono) and The Verve (Orono). 

Donating to Courageous Steps
The final amount raised will soon be announced. It has been very exciting and encouraging to have so  many generous donations for this excellent cause. Many children will benefit from the money raised during the Courageous Steps Fundraiser Walk/Run Event as well as the donations sent to Old Town High School! Donations will continue to be accepted for The Courageous Steps Project. Donations can be sent to: Old Town High School (c/o Courageous Steps) Old Town Maine 04468. Please make checks payable to: Old Town High School (Courageous Steps can be written in the memo). Thank you! 

The Courageous Steps Fundraiser is coming up in about 11 days. As an individual living with Autism, I never thought that I would be hosting a fundraiser this big. It's a huge accomplishment for me. But Courageous Steps doesn't just recognize those with disabilities. It recognizes everyone who challenges themselves to the fullest of their ability. All proceeds from this fundraiser go to the Green House Nursery School and the Old Town Elementary School Special Education Department. 
I would appreciate your support on Sunday May 18, at Victory Field @Old Town High School. We will start registration at 11am. As soon as you enter in the facility, you may start walking on the track, playing games, and taking a shot at the dunk tank. At 12:30, we will start our 1 mile fun walk/run. At 1:30, we will have our competitive mile. After, anyone is free to still walk on the track. But stick around, because we are doing many raffles donated by local businesses, a foul shooting contest at 1pm, and much more. All of these proceeds will also go to the Green House Nursery School and the Old Town Elementary School Special Education Department. 

We will announce the raffles at 2:30pm. At 1pm, join me, as I close this fundraiser by thanking sponsors who made this day possible!!

If you have any questions, please contact me, Connor Archer, at: [email protected] 

If you need a registration form, please download it below and I would appreciate your support!