Cumberland, ME — The second annual Harnessing Hope fundraiser, held at Maine’s Cumberland Fair, concluded on Saturday (Oct. 3) with the completion of its driving competition and the contesting of the inaugural Harnessing Hope All Women Drivers Breast Cancer Awareness Invitational Pace. The fundraiser brought together members of the Maine harness racing industry with racing fans to raise money for charitable causes selected by Maine drivers.
Of the 45 drivers participating, Andrew Harrington (Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center) came out on top, with Aaron Hall (Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital) and Heath Campbell (Breast Cancer Awareness) rounding out the top three finishers. Results from the driving competition were used to determine which two worthy charities would receive donations from Harnessing Hope 2026 on behalf of the Maine harness racing industry.
Proceeds were awarded to Harrington’s chosen cause, the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center, and a local Breast Cancer Awareness organization. Fundraising activities included a 50-50 raffle and the sale of Harnessing Hope merchandise.
Saturday’s card also featured the first-ever Harnessing Hope All Women Drivers Breast Cancer Awareness Invitational Race. Enthusiastic fans lined the fence to watch female teamsters Alexandria Chadbourne, Michelle Hardin, Charlene Cushing, Lindsey Weir, Haley Farken, Julia Eaton and Marianna Monaco compete. Charlene Cushing, on a brief break from her outrider duties, finished first piloting Gazitarena, a mare she co-owns with her daughter, Jessica Clouser.
Organizers would like to thank the drivers, horsemen, volunteers and Cumberland Fair patrons who helped support Harnessing Hope 2026. Special thanks go to event sponsors, the Maine Amateur Driving Club and the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association, and to First Tracks Cumberland for hosting the event.