Volunteer Guide 2024 RALLY TOGETHER
Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent with us during the 2024 Dempsey Challenge! Your volunteering is helping to make life better for people impacted by cancer. Whether you are on the course directing Challengers to their routes, helping in the food or beverage tent, or assisting with set-up, your support is making a difference.
In this guide, you will find information about Volunteer Orientation, Volunteer Check-In, FAQs, Parking Information, and so much more! Please be sure to read the full guide to get all your questions answered before starting your volunteer shift.
We are so grateful for your willingness to support the Dempsey Challenge. Because of you, people are able to access services such as oncology counseling, support groups, education, nutrition consultations, movement + fitness classes, massages, and so much more while on their cancer journey. And they get to do so all at no cost.
For any additional questions about volunteering, please reach out to Vickie Rucker, Dempsey Challenge Volunteer Coordinator, at dempseychallengevolunteer@gmail.com.
Challenge Team, Local Organizing Committees, and Dempsey Center Staff + Board of Directors
To learn more about how this year's event will work and to learn more about your position, join us on Tuesday, September 17th at 6:00PM ET for Volunteer Orientation. This will be held via Zoom and you will have the chance to get any of your questions answered about your position.
Click below to access the meeting at the designated start time.
https://dempseycenter-org.zoom.us/j/9317622878
Role Check-In
Please find your role below to get more information about check-in and when/where to report.
EVENT WEEK VOLUNTEERS: PRODUCTION + PRE-EVENT SET-UP
Please report to Simard-Payne Park (46 Beech St., Lewiston) at the start of your shift for a briefing from our production team and to be given your assignment.
EVENT WEEK VOLUNTEERS: BIB LABELING + PACKET PICK-UP
Bib Labeling and Packet Pick-Up will both be done at the Dempsey Center in Lewiston. Please report to 29 Lowell Street, 5th Floor at the start of your shift.
EVENT DAY VOLUNTEERS: STAGING, VENUE, FESTIVAL, + GREEN TEAM
Please report to Simard-Payne Memorial Park, 46 Beech St., Lewiston to the Volunteer Check-In Tent. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your assigned shift to allow for parking, check-in, and further instruction. You will receive your volunteer t-shirt upon check-in.
EVENT DAY VOLUNTEERS: SAG (SUPPORT + GEAR) DRIVERS
A mandatory Zoom meeting will be led by Dempsey Challenge Technical Director, Will Smith. Date and time TBD. You will receive detailed instructions on arrival times, course assignments, vehicle pick up/drop off and safety briefing. You will receive your volunteer t-shirt when you receive your vehicle.
EVENT DAY VOLUNTEERS: COURSE MARSHALS
Please check-in and get your volunteer t-shirt on Thursday, September 19th from 10a to 6p or Friday, September 20th from 10a to 6p at Simard-Payne Park in the Volunteer Tent. On event day, please proceed directly to your assigned location out on the course. Dempsey Challenge technical staff will arrive on course to check in and review any location adjustments or issues that may arise.
EVENT DAY VOLUNTEERS: REST STOP VOLUNTEERS
On event day, please proceed directly to your assigned Rest Stop at the designated time provided by your Rest Stop Captain. All Rest Stop Volunteers must sign a waiver upon arrival and before you begin your shift. Your volunteer t-shirt and supplies will be ready for you at your Rest Stop location upon your arrival. If you have questions, please contact your Rest Stop Captain.
EVENT DAY VOLUNTEERS: CYCLING AMBASSADORS
You will receive all instructions and information directly from our Cycling Ambassador Lead, Rod Nadeau. Please check in with him with any questions.
Schedule
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st
SIMARD-PAYNE PARK | LEWISTON, ME
6:15a Park Opens to Challengers | Simard-Payne Park
7:00a Opening Remarks | Poland Spring Entertainment Stage 8:45a
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your event start time for staging
8:30a - 3:00p Festival in the Park | Simard-Payne Park
11:00a Kids’ Fun Run | Start Chute on Oxford Street
1:00p Survivor Walk | Simard-Payne Park 1:15p
ParkingINFORMATION
PARKING LOTS + HOURS
Please park in any of the goldshaded areas below ADA Accessible parking can be found in the marked areas. Please do not park in the Hampton Inn parking lot unless you are a guest of the hotel. The Lincoln St. Garage and the Chesnut St. Garage are free to park on Challenge day.
UPON ARRIVAL
After parking, please head into Simard-Payne Memorial Park If you are volunteering in the park on event day, please head to the Volunteer Check-In Tent (located near the entrance) to check-in, get your t-shirt, and get directed to your assigned post. All other volunteers can head to their assigned location.
I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE SHIFT I SIGNED UP FOR. HOW CAN I MAKE A CHANGE?
To make any adjustments to your schedule, please email Volunteer Coordinator, Vickie Rucker, at dempseychallengevolunteer@gmail. com.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR/BRING?
Be prepared for all types of weather by bringing raingear, sun block, hat/sunglasses, jacket, and comfortable shoes. You will receive a volunteer t-shirt upon arrival and we do ask that you wear that throughout your shift. If you are on the course, a folding chair is recommended. While we do have water available in many places in the park, we suggest bringing a water bottle to keep full throughout the day. Snacks, coffee, and water will be provided throughout the day, but feel free to bring extra snacks, lunch, etc. with you!
FAQs
CAN I ARRIVE WITH ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE NOT REGISTERED?
While we highly encourage people to sign-up for volunteer positions in advance, we appreciate the spontaneous help as well! Please visit the Volunteer Check-In tent, just inside the park to see what roles may be available. Please note that t-shirts may not be available on event day. New volunteers can register by visiting this link.
CAN I BRING MY KIDS?
We encourage youth ages 12 and older to sign up as a volunteer but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also signed up to volunteer at the same position. Please be mindful of the job description and any age restrictions before signing up your youth volunteer.
WILL LUNCH BE PROVIDED?
Complimentary coffee, water, and snacks will be provided to volunteers in the Volunteer Food + Rest Tent. Additionally, there will be food trucks with food to purchase for both breakfast and lunch items throughout the day.
A LOVED ONE IS PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT,
WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE THEM CROSS THE
FINISH LINE?
In most cases, arrangements can be made to meet your loved one at the finish line. You will need to confirm your absence with your Volunteer Lead in advance. It is easiest to track your Challenger by downloading RaceJoy and requesting access to follow them on their route! The app can show you when they are approaching the finish line so you can plan accordingly.
MY
SHIFT IS OVER AND I WANT TO CONTINUE TO VOLUNTEER, WHERE DO I GO?
Please check-in with your Volunteer Lead or go to the Volunteer Check-In Tent at the entry of the park to get another assignment. Thank you for your additional time!
FAQs
ARE RESTROOMS AVAILABLE ON THE COURSES?
There are temporary toilets at each rest stop on the routes. This location will be communicated to you prior to heading to your course assignment. You will also receive the cell phone number of your Volunteer Lead should you need assistance on the course. Restrooms are available throughout Simard-Payne Park.
WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY WHILE I AM VOLUNTEERING?
Should an emergency arise, please let your Volunteer Lead know as soon as possible. Please call 911 in case of a medical emergency on the course. Staff will be wearing pink t-shirts and Medical Volunteers will be wearing red tshirts
Venue Map
FINISHLINE
MERCHANDISE
SEATING
HOSPITALITY
STAGE BEVERAGE MISSION
LUMINARY KIDSZONE
MEDICAL BAG&BIKECHECK
HOPE&HEALING TREES
INCENTIVES
Festival
OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE
Dempsey Goods, our official Dempsey Challenge merchandise will be for sale throughout the weekend. Cashless pay options will be available
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 21st
9:15-9:30 am - Julia Gagnon
9:45-10:30 am - Camp of Rock
10:45-11:30 am - Owen Conforte
11:45 a - 12:45 p - Toby McAllister
2:15-3:00 pm - Bazinga!
KIDS FUN RUN
Registration for the Kids Fun Run, presented by TD Bank will begin at 10:30AM at the Oxford Street Hydration Tent. The run will begin promptly at 11:00AM in the Event Start Chute on Oxford Street.
TEAM PHOTO WALL
The photo wall will be available in the park on Saturday, presented by Dirigo Federal Credit Union. We will have volunteers ready to take photos on our camera or on yours! Photos will be available via CrowdPic around September 30th.
EVENT PHOTOS
Action shots will be taken on course and at the finish line and uploaded to CrowdPic for easy viewing. The link to access these images will be sent after Challenge Weekend. Thank you to RAM Sports Photography and Miniature Media for capturing the day!
KIDZ ZONE
There is lots of fun even for the kids in the Kidz Zone! Stop by for games, books, and event a visit from a miniature therapy horse, “Toast” from Impact Horse!
Blueberry Mimosas. Tickets can be purchased for $5 per ticket/beverage. Cash and credit/debit cards accepted.
To enter the Maine Craft Beer + Wine Garden Tent, you will need a bracelet Bracelets can be picked up following an ID check at the entrance to the tent or at any ID check station.
COLTON + LEVI'S LEMONADE STAND
Our family-friendly lemonade stand, staffed by the Daniels Family longtime Dempsey Challenge volunteers, is back again this year! Lemonade is free to everyone in the park!
DEMPSEY CENTER MISSION TENT
Celebrate and Honor people impacted by cancer in the Dempsey Center Mission Tent. Here, you can create a sign for a fellow Challenger, create and leave behind a Remembrance Flag, share your story, and learn more about Dempsey Center services
SPONSORS, PARTNERS, + EXHIBITORS
Supporters of the Dempsey Challenge and the Dempsey Center are joining us in the park this year! Be sure to stop by to learn more about what they do and why they are supporting the Dempsey Center this year.
LUMINARY TENT
The Luminary Tent, presented by CMP, is open to Challengers who have raised $10,000 or more.
Other Information
We will have an ATM on site this year. Cashless options will also be available for payment in the Maine Craft Beer + Wine Tent and Merch Tent ATM
RECYCLING + COMPOSTING
Please join us in reducing our impact on the environment by composting food scraps and recycling other materials by placing waste in their designated bins Our Green Team, presented in conjunction with our partner, Casella, thank you in advance!
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please be sure to wash and/or sanitize your hands often, maintain social distance where you are able, and consider fist and elbow bumps in lieu of high fives. Additionally, we hope that all those who join us in the park respect the decisions regarding masking made by fellow Challengers, staff, volunteers, and attendees.
PET POLICIES
We all love those furry friends, but we highly encourage you to leave your pets at home. If you do bring your dog into the park, please clean up after them. We also ask that you keep them out of the food tent and our Dempsey Dog tent.
NO SMOKING
Per City of Lewiston ordinance, smoking is prohibited in Simard-Payne Memorial Park. We ask that you do not smoke on the course or at any Dempsey Challenge-related functions.
WEATHER SAFETY
Barring severe weather conditions, the Dempsey Challenge will proceed despite poor weather. Runners, walkers, and riders should be prepared for high winds, a wide range of temperatures, heavy rainfall, or even snow.
Given that weather can change during the events, weather-related announcements may need to be issued after your event begins. Please continue to check social media, alert signs at Rest Stops, or in RaceJoy.
Dempsey Challenge reserves the right to postpone event start times, reduce ride length, restrict ride options, or cancel the ride to ensure the safety of its participants. We will do everything we can to communicate any changes promptly. In all cases, Challengers are responsible for their own safety and should use their best judgement when deciding whether or not to continue if severe weather conditions exist. SAG Drivers will be on hand should you need to stop participating and need to get back to Simard-Payne Park.
Thank you to all of our Sponsors and Partners
AETNA
ANTIGONI’SPIZZA
BERNSTEINSHUR
BLOWBROS
BURGESSTECHNOLOGY
CABOTCREAMERY
CHILD’SPLAY
CHINET
CHLOEWINECOLLECTION
COFFEEHOUND
CUPCAKEVINEYARDS
DIRIGOFCU
GOUDREAU’S&SONSGOLFCARTS
HARVARDPILGRIMHEALTHCARE
HEADLIGHTA/V
HILTONGARDENINN
HUBINTERNATIONAL
ICEPIKVODKA
LATENT&AWNING
L/AMUSICPRODUCTIONS
LEPAGEBAKERIES
LONEPINEBREWING
LUKE’SLOBSTER
MARTIN’SPOINTHEALTHCARE
MAREBROOKFARM
MASON’SBREWING
MAILINGSUNLIMITED
MAILHOT’SBESTSAUSAGE
MAINEGRAINS
NORTHEASTDELTADENTAL
PINELANDFARMS
PERFORMANCEFOODGROUP
PORTLANDPARTYBIKE
RAMSPORTSPHOTOGRAPHY
PURITANMEDICALPRODUCTS
PRESSSELTZER
RICKERHILLORCHARDS
SACO&BIDDEFORDSAVINGS
SIDEBYEACHBREWING
SPECTRUMHEALTHCARE
SUNBELTRENTALS
TAPTRUCK
TEESHIRTBAR
USCELLULAR
VINTAGEMAINECHIPS
WDMATTHEWS
WICKEDWHOOPIES
WYMAN’S