A Bangor-based nonprofit that promotes literacy among children across Maine has been named the beneficiary of this year’s TD Beach to Beacon 10K race in Cape Elizabeth.
The annual road race, which starts on Route 77 near the entrance to Crescent Beach State Park and finishes in Fort Williams Park at the foot of Portland Head lighthouse, draws thousands of runners from around the world. This year’s event is scheduled for Aug. 1.
Every month of the school year, the volunteer-run Dirigo Reads provides a new book to every first grader in a Maine public school. So far, it’s gifted books to more than 3,500 pupils — roughly one-third of all Maine first graders — in 100 public schools.
“Dirigo Reads is making a difference in the lives of children across Maine, providing kids with books they can take home, keep, and love,” said Kate Burns, TD Bank’s retail market president for the New England north/south region. “We are honored to recognize their important work by naming them as our 2026 race beneficiary.”
Dirigo Reads will receive $30,000 from TD Bank and further benefit from fundraising activities, including the race’s charity bib program, as well as increased awareness through its association with one of Maine’s premier sporting events, according to the organizer.
“We are thrilled that TD Bank and the TD Beach to Beacon 10K have selected Dirigo Reads as their nonprofit beneficiary for 2026,” said Dan Cashman, co-founder and board president of Dirigo Reads. “This is a transformative opportunity for our organization to gain recognition and visibility to help sustain Dirigo Reads for years to come and enable us to reach even more children across Maine.”
Last year’s race beneficiary was Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization that aims to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live their best lives.
TD Bank, a New Jersey-based subsidiary of Canada’s Toronto-Dominion Bank, is a top 10 North American bank. It is ranked No. 1 by market share in Maine in the 2026 Mainebiz Book of Lists.