On January 18, 2007, Safe Passage lost its visionary founder, Hanley Denning. Hanley was fatally injured in an automobile accident while traveling between the program site  in Guatemala City and the office located in Antigua. Over 1,600 memorial gifts and hundred of letters and email remain a testimony to her remarkable spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and tireless devotion to the children and families of Safe Passage.

In March of 2008, Safe Passage announced the establishment of the Hanley Denning Fund with over $3,000,000 in gifts from her admirers and friends.     According to Fund Co-Chair, Charles Gendron, “We wanted to honor Hanley for her inspirational work and we wanted to ensure that her life work will continue into the future by creating a stable financial situation.”  In addition to Gendron, the campaign was co-chaired by former Maine first lady Mary Herman and Michael Denning, Hanley’s father.

Of the $3,000,000 raised to date for the Fund, $500,000 came from 1,600 memorial gifts made shortly after Denning died.     “This Fund serves two important financial functions,” Sharon Workman, Chair of the Board of Directors explained.  “First, it is a rainy day fund to protect the organization against unforeseen circumstances and cash flow issues.  It also serves as an endowment generating nearly $150,000 annually for Safe Passage.”

Safe Passage will continue to accept and solicit gifts for the Hanley Denning Fund.  Gendron noted that the Board hoped to grow the fund to five million dollars or more over the next several years.  Gift received for the Fund in 2008 will be matched by a generous donation of the Kendeda Foundation.

Click here for more information on the Fund

You can donate to support Safe Passage programs or the Hanley Denning Fund by sending a check to Safe Passage, 81 Bridge Street, Suite 104, Yarmouth ME 04096 or via the PayPal icon to the left.

Thank you for honoring Hanley and her extraordinary life.