Lafayette Family Foundation & Foundation to Cure Melanoma
community
Giving Back
Lafayette Hotels is extremely focused on giving back to their community. This is often done quietly, as Danny and Carla remain humble and do not do charitable acts for the press or recognition it may bring. One of the most substantial causes the company donates to is the Champion the Cure Challenge, held each year in Brewer, Maine. Although they have always been passionate about finding a cure for cancer, their passion and commitment increased when their son was diagnosed with melanoma at age 18. They pledged $2 million to CancerCare of Maine, which was the center’s largest donation to date. One million dollars went to fund the building itself, and the remaining one million was set to endow a fund for cancer research. This has brought the Brewer area the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute, where world class research and cancer care takes place.
Champion the Cure Annual Event Impact
care
Lafayette Cancer Center Impact
The Lafayette Family Foundation has long supported melanoma research through partnerships with the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute and leading collaborators including Jackson Laboratory and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Locally, the impact continues to grow through the Champion the Cure Challenge.
In 2025, the Lafayette Hotels team brought together 260 participants, raising an incredible $233,573 in support of cancer care and research.
Since its inaugural event in 2010—when it first reached a $100,000 goal—the Champion the Cure Challenge has raised more than $8.7 million for local care over the past sixteen years.
Looking ahead, the goal for 2026 is $850,000.
Lafayette Family Cancer Institute
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is accredited through the American College of Surgeons and recognized for outstanding achievement. We are proud to offer many national clinical trials locally. Northern Light CancerCare of Maine currently has over 70 adult and pediatric trials available. The modern facility is located in the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute in Brewer. The Institute is equipped with the most advanced cancer treatment technologies in northern New England as well as private and shared treatment areas, where families can join their loved ones receiving care.
together
Nancy Cayford, an associate at the Fireside Inn & Suites in Waterville, raised over $5,000 with an annual yard sale she organized and sponsored. Several of our hotels sell bottles of water with proceeds going to cancer research. The Best Western White House Inn sells stuffed moose, and hosted the Run for Hope 5K which raised $191,500 from 1994 to 2009. This event has expanded and become the Champion the Cure Challenge – continuing the legacy of the Run for Hope. Since 2010, the Champion the Cure Challenge has raised over $7.5 million dollars for local cancer research and treatment! Our 2024 Lafayette Team had over 130 members and raised over $112,501 – our most raised ever!
Donations can also be sent to:
The Lafayette Family Foundation
155 Littlefield Avenue
Bangor, ME 04401
(This donation is tax-deductible under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.)