CAMDEN — Erick Anderson, general manager for the Bay View Collection, presented a check March 1 to Teresa Valdepeñas, communications and impact manager, and Kate Elmes, director of development for Trekkers. The donation of $500 is in support of the organization’s mission of cultivating the inherent strengths of young people through the power of long-term mentoring relationships.

The donation was a result of Grand Harbor Inn’s ongoing “Great Rates for a Great Cause” campaign. Guests who choose to participate receive a 50% discount off their two or more-night stay, and in exchange for this significantly discounted room rate, guests make a minimum donation of $35/night to Trekkers. This offer began in mid-November of last year and continues through April 30, 2022. Today, this fundraiser has totaled $1,560.

Trekkers is just one of several giving campaigns that the Bay View Collection is offering this winter and spring, according to a Trekkers news release. At Lord Camden Inn they are offering a similar discount to guests in support of New Hope Midcoast, and at 16 Bay View, they are supporting the Knox County Homeless Coalition.

“It is wonderful to be able to support and give back to such a great local organization with such an impactful mission on our local youth,” said Anderson, in the release. “With the continued uncertainty of COVID on the travel and tourism industry, my heart is warmed by the kind and giving nature by those that were willing and able to visit Camden and participate in this campaign so far.”

“Our work would not be possible without the generosity of community members like the Bay View Collection team and Grand Harbor Inn guests,” said Valdepeñas. “We’re deeply grateful for this investment in Trekkers, our students, and our community’s future”, says Elmes. “Donations from the community, like Grand Harbor Inn’s, show students that people in their community care about them and want them to be able to have positive experiences. Thank you for supporting young people in our community and for modelling generosity.”

Trekkers is a six-year program that connects young people with caring adults. These relationships help young people grow into resilient, thriving, responsible young adults. The key is that trusting bond between a student and a program manager that lasts a full six years, from seventh grade through graduation. Trekkers utilize outdoor, experiential, and travel-based education to strengthen resiliency, raise aspirations, and connect young people to communities. Trekkers Training Institute provides training, coaching, and professional development opportunities based on our evidence-based principles and practices. For more information, visit trekkers.org.

The Bay View Collection is a small group of distinctive, luxury boutique hotels located in Camden and soon Rockport, Maine whose properties include the Lord Camden Inn, Grand Harbor Inn, 16 Bay View, and the all-new Rockport Harbor Hotel, opening spring of 2023. For more information on these unique and luxurious destinations, visit bayviewcollection.com.