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Date: 11/30/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Greater Springfield responded to the new location for the annual Mayflower Marathon by setting a new record of at least $171,000.
As of Nov. 25, a final count has not yet been announced.
The event, part of the morning show on Rock 102 featuring Michael Baxendale and Steve Nagle, was hosted by MGM Springfield this year from Nov. 21 through 23. The marathon raises money and food items for the Open Pantry Community Services, which operates several programs including an emergency food pantry in Springfield.
By Wednesday morning, two 53-foot trailers were packed with food items and a third truck was being filled.
By then, the two radio personalities were tired from their 50-plus hours on air but happy for the response from the public. After the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the home of the marathon for more than 20 years, decided not to participate any longer, the station searched for a new location.
MGM Springfield stepped up.
“The response from the community to this year’s Mayflower Marathon and its new home here at MGM Springfield has been just incredible. We are beyond thrilled at the record-breaking total of cash and food donations collected, which will go such a long way to help those in need. Giving back to the community is something we are very proud of at MGM Springfield. We would like to thank everyone at Rock 102 for such a fantastic start to a relationship we look forward to continuing for years to come,” Beth Ward, MGM Springfield spokesperson, told Reminder Publishing.
Baxendale said, “MGM has been nothing but gracious from the beginning.” He and Nagle praised the station’s sponsors for their support of the event as well.
Nagle believes the record-setting donations were the results, at least partially, due to the new location.
“It rekindled interest,” he said of the move.
Both men said that after the marathon they usually rest for several days, but this year the Springfield Thunderbirds extended the fundraising at the game on Nov. 23. Baxendale praised the hockey team and its management for their community involvement.
Terry Maxey, the executive director of the Open Pantry, said, “It’s phenomenal what that community has done.”
He noted the agency has seen an increase in people seeking food security assistance from people who have never been to the pantry before. He said the increase has been due to inflation and increased prices.
“People don’t want to choose between their utilities bill and food,” he said.
For more information about the Open Pantry and its programs go to www.openpantry.org.