A Message from U.S. Senator Susan Collins

ONE OF THE MANY DONOR PLAQUES that decorate the beautiful building and grounds of the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care in Augusta bears these simple yet heartfelt words: “A grateful patient.”

If there were a plaque that summed up the feelings of people across Maine for Harold, his family, and the Alfond Foundation, it would read: “A grateful state.”

Throughout his life, Harold was devoted to the well-being of our state and our people. He expressed that devotion with wisdom, energy, and exceptional generosity.

Nothing illustrates his character more than the Center for Cancer Care. When he was confronted with the personal challenge of cancer, Harold thought of others. He could obtain the best possible care anywhere in the world, yet his concern was that Maine people obtain the best possible care right here in Maine.

Harold’s character was revealed more than seven decades ago, when, as a young man just 36 years of age, he established the Harold Alfond Foundation, Maine’s first private foundation. Since that time, the foundation that Harold began with his beloved wife, Bibby, has contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to charitable causes, primarily in Maine. There is not a corner of our state that has not been touched by Harold’s generous spirit.

Harold once said, “Whatever you can give you’ve got to give. You’ve got to make your town better. You’ve got to make your state better. You’ve got to make everyone better because they can’t get by on promises.”

Nearly 14 years after his passing, Harold’s spirit lives on in the Foundation. It is evident in the extraordinary ongoing support for young people, athletics, education, healthcare, economic development, and many other endeavors. Just last year, the Foundation announced a transformational $500 million gift to Maine institutions that will strengthen workforce education and improve the quality of healthcare in our state.

Harold’s philanthropy was based on his belief that everyone should give what they can, so he emphasized collaboration, teamwork, and community involvement. For example, the Alfond Youth Center in Waterville was built with funds donated by community members, matched dollar-for-dollar by the Foundation. Grants to educational institutions, including the University of Maine, Colby College, St. Joseph’s College, and Husson University often require that some of the funding support scholarships. The My Alfond Grant program Harold was preparing to launch near the end of his life gives Maine parents an incentive to begin saving for the higher education of their children from the day their babies are born.

About a year and a half before the Center for Cancer Care opened in 2007, I was visiting MaineGeneral. While there, I was thrilled to run into Harold, who was also touring the hospital. That demonstrated to me what made him so special. He was always involved and engaged, always seeking to learn more so that his support was put to the best possible use.

The powerful lesson of Harold’s life is that with success comes the opportunity to give back. That legacy is carried on today by his family and the Alfond Foundation, and for that we are truly grateful.