The Boothbay Charities Classic, a fundraising event for Special Olympics Maine for the past 29 years, will not be held this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, in a letter being sent to past supporters and participants, the BCC committee explains that Special Olympics Maine (SOME) still needs financial support to conduct its programs and that donations will be welcomed. Over the past few years, the Classic, which includes a lobster bake, a sports auction and a golf tournament, has raised over $50,000 for SOME.

With the onset of the pandemic in March, Special Olympics International suspended all activities, which also included fundraising events.

To keep Maine’s 5,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities engaged, with no activities or sports being held, the SOME staff started and continue offering virtual training and virtual social and fun events, including weekly “Warrior” workouts. They are also working with their athletes on nutrition and healthy living tips, cooking classes, COVID-19 precautions and stress reduction. To see what SOME is doing for the children and adults, visit its Facebook page, Special Olympics Maine.

“We are reaching out to you in hopes that you might still be willing to contribute in some way, and help Special Olympics Maine get their athletes back on the playing fields, the courts, the tracks, in the pools, and on the courses, as soon as possible,” writes the BCC committee in its appeal letter.

Donations can be sent to Brenda Blackman or Tony Krason at P.O. Box 207, Boothbay, ME 04537.

Besides Blackman and Krason, the committee also includes Leon Blackman, Russ Ham, Krystal Blackman, April and Andy Pinkham, Mark and Laurie Bailey, and Steve and Laura Francis.