Saturday’s Westbrook Strong 5K raises scholarship money in memory of Matthew Rairdon, who was killed in November 2013.

At the time of his death, 22-year-old Matthew Rairdon was a popular new employee at Mercy Hospital in Portland, not far removed from graduating from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine’s nursing program.

Rairdon was shot to death in November 2013. Since then, his family and close friends have made it a priority to continue his passion for his job and his life. The second annual Westbrook Strong 5K will take place this Saturday, July 18, in downtown Westbrook, with proceeds donated to an endowment for the nursing program at the college

Last year, the event attracted hundreds of people who knew Rairdon and his large extended family in Westbrook, and the race raised more than $15,000 toward the endowment. This year’s recipient of the Matthew Rairdon Scholarship Fund is now officially a registered nurse, graduating from Saint Joseph’s this spring.

While the first race was deemed a success, event organizers are hoping to build on it this year and keep the event growing.

Krista Martin, a longtime friend of the Rairdon family and a veteran volunteer in the Westbrook community, said Tuesday that last year’s race put them over the $25,000 threshold for an endowment, guaranteeing at least a $1,000 scholarship each year. However, Martin said, they all want to be able to give more scholarships or one for a greater amount.

Martin said the scholarship is given to a junior or senior in the nursing program – someone who has “the same passion for nursing that Matt had.”

“It just made sense,” she said about organizing the first race last year. “It just seemed like a good way to do it, and keep his spirit alive.”

The original idea for the race came from Lisa Petruccelli, who runs the Train Your Inner Athlete program at Westbrook Community Center.

According to the race website, there are already more than 200 people signed up for Saturday’s events. Martin said Tuesday that now it’s more like 250.

Rairdon’s father, Gary Rairdon, has also served as a Westbrook city councilor since 2013.

On Tuesday, Rairdon said leading up to this year’s race has been more emotional for the family due to community support. He said his son’s 24th birthday would have been Friday, July 17.

“All we want is someone to fulfill what Matthew started, to help people, and be the best nurse they can,” he said.

He said this year’s scholarship winner, Candice Morong, is a Westbrook resident who was unsure of finances going into her senior year.

“She didn’t know if she was going to return, financially,” he said. “It really helped her graduate.”

Rairdon added that Morong wore a Westbrook Strong shirt when passing her boards.

Martin said that on race day, the event will have some 50 volunteers, but for organizing the event and scholarship fund year round, it’s mostly Martin, friend Donna LeClair and Rairdon and his wife, Laurie.

The community has embraced the Westbrook Strong actions, as well, assisting with fundraising and getting the word out on the race. Local businesses like Mister Bagel sell Westbrook Strong T-shirts for $15, with all the money going to the scholarship fund.

“We are totally celebrating Matthew,” she said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s a work of love.”

Rairdon said that while this week is difficult, it’s comforting to know his family has the community support.

“The outpouring of support and love is pretty overwhelming,” he said. “It’s the second annual, and people are still showing a huge interest in supporting this.”

An estimated 400 participants took part in the first Westbrook Strong 5K last year. Organizers hope this year’s event on July 18 can build on that success, and grow a scholarship program in the name of Matthew Rairdon, who was killed in 2013. Courtesy photosGary and Laurie Rairdon take to the microphone during last year’s 5K, which celebrates the birthday of their son, Matthew, and raises money for a scholarship fund in his name.