6th Annual ‘Ride For Suicide Awareness’ Founded By Maine Native, Nick Danforth

As a state, we've all seen, felt, and gone through the ever lasting affects of suicide. It is a topic that in the past and still currently, holds a heavy stigma, however this one organization is proudly raising awareness on the importance of their message.

Pain to Power, Ride For Suicide Awareness is,

A community in which we raise awareness for suicide in many ways, many forms and through the power of voice and social media! Founded by a local Maine Man.

Pain to Power- Facebook Page

The man who founded this is Nick Danforth of Lewiston. This will be their 6th year doing the ride to raise awareness on this issue.

The ride will be held on August 28th, 2022 at LA Harley in Lewiston. Gates open at 9:00am and kickstands up at 11:30am, to begin the ride.

I was lucky enough to interview Nick and he told me that all the money raised is donated locally to families who recently have dealt with suicide.

We usually have between 250 and 450 bikes show up every year this year we’re raising money for operation reboot outdoors veterans group. It’s made the news every year and multiple newspaper articles I’m hoping to keep the reach up as suicide is a huge issue in our society today.

Nick Danforth

Nick also shared with me that he lost his father to suicide, in August of 2015. He told me that his good friend, Timmy refused to let him say no to his offer to pay for the entire funeral. That is when the idea came to him. Since then, Nick has given back each year to someone going through the same thing.

The ride to end suicide has, on average 250-450 bikes each year. They have raffles, live music, food and a cash bar.

According to an article by WGME, last year, the event raised $4,500 dollars on the ride for suicide awareness. This year, they are hoping to raise even more.

They are still looking for raffle items and any monetary donations are welcome, visit their Facebook Page if you'd like to help!