Why This Maine STRIVE Story is Getting So Much Love Right Now

Okay, so I think that what stands out most is how personal this story is and one for one Maine teen.

As we all know, there’s a ton of noise on social media, but every now and then, something comes through that’s so genuine, you can’t look away.

This is one of those moments. 

Colin Cook is stepping up for STRIVE Rocks 2026, it’s a fundraising event supporting STRIVE, which is a South Portland nonprofit that gives social, educational, recreational, and post secondary programs for tweens, teens, and young adults with intellectual disabilities.  

The event itself is an amazing 12-hour overnight dance marathon supporting PSL Services/STRIVE, a Maine nonprofit that helps young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

It takes place May 8–9, 2026, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. at Sullivan Gym on the University of Southern Maine’s Portland campus.

Through this program, Colin and many others are working to raise funds that go directly back into the programs he and others rely on.

That includes activities, learning opportunities, and community experiences that help participants grow, connect, and build confidence. 

He’s not just asking for donations, he’s also inviting people into something that means so much to him and his goal is pretty simple, to keep a place strong that has helped him stay strong and thrive.

If you’d like to support, donate, share and spread the word. A small effort goes a long way. help keep a place strong that’s helped him and so many others thrive.

 As of now, Colin has raised over $960 and his goal is $1,500.

At the end of the day, this is what community looks like, someone giving back to the place that’s given them so much.