Dempsey Challenge Selects Maine's Gifford's Ice Cream As Official Ice Cream Of Inaugural Event

Portland, Maine - Gifford's Ice Cream (www.giffordsicecream.com), Maine's award-winning, family-owned and -operated ice cream company, has been named the official ice cream of The Dempsey Challenge (www.dempseychallenge.org), an Oct. 4 fundraising event at which participants are encouraged to cycle, run or walk to benefit the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing.

Established by actor and Lewiston, Maine, native Patrick Dempsey, the inaugural Dempsey Challenge is expected to draw thousands of participants and spectators. Professional cyclists George Hincapie and David Zabriskie will join in to support this worthy cause.

"Maine-based companies such as Gifford's Ice Cream are giving the Dempsey Challenge a very local flavor, and that's exactly what Patrick Dempsey was hoping for," said Wendy Tardif, Dempsey Challenge event manger. "The support of influential area businesses underscores The Center's importance to this community, and we are so pleased to feel the excitement building as the event nears."

"This family-oriented event will really help shed light on an issue that's so important for so many Maine families," added Lindsay Gifford, vice president of marketing for Gifford's Ice Cream. "Our family and the entire Gifford's team were wholeheartedly enthusiastic from Day One about getting involved in the Dempsey Challenge. We're looking forward to contributing and sharing Gifford's Ice Cream with these dedicated cyclists on the day of the races and feel honored to be selected."

As the official ice cream of the event, Gifford's will be serving cool, refreshing ice cream as the signature dessert at the Lobster Bake on Sunday, Oct. 4. Also, Tubby, Gifford's lovable new mascot, will be making the rounds to cheer on participants, shake hands with devotees of all ages, and give away special Gifford's goodies to young fans.

The Dempsey Challenge will begin at Simard-Payne Police Memorial Park in Lewiston and includes cycling routes of 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles, as well as a 5K run/walk and a Kids' Fun Run. A day-long Festival in the Park will provide family entertainment and raise cancer awareness.

Founded in March 2008, The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center provides high-quality education, support and wellness services at no cost to cancer
patients and their caregivers. During its first year, the Dempsey Center had more than 6,000 direct patient contacts and served more than 2,000 callers on its toll-free cancer helpline.

For further information about related deadlines, pre-event activities, and event-day particulars, visit http://www.dempseychallenge.org/content/4002/Event_Info/.

Ice Cream aficionados interested in signing up for Gifford's Ice Cream newsletter are invited to email info@giffordsicecream.com to receive company news and special Gifford's children's activities.

Now available throughout northern New England at Hannaford locations, Shaw's Supermarkets, and Roche Bros. locations, Gifford's Ice Cream is also offered in several hundred ice cream stands throughout New England, New York and New Jersey. Gifford's Ice Cream is also served at a growing number of account locations, including Columbia University, The Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, Rutgers University, Jenkinson's, Casino Pier, Abbot's, Schnippers and Del Fresco.