We are so proud to share that WinterKids has been recognized by Governor Janet Mills with the 2025 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence. Even more exciting, WinterKids is the first nonprofit ever to receive this honor!
This statewide award celebrates Maine organizations that show exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to their communities. For more than thirty years, the Governor’s Award for Business Excellence has recognized Maine businesses that strengthen our economy and care deeply for the people they serve. This year, for the first time, the Governor’s Office extended that recognition to a nonprofit, honoring the role that more than 7,000 nonprofits play in supporting Maine communities and families.
For WinterKids, this award reflects twenty-five years of helping children across Maine learn, move, and play outside in the winter. Each year, our programs reach more than 16,000 children through school and family initiatives that make winter fun, healthy, and inclusive.
Our team was deeply honored to stand alongside this year’s other award recipients as we celebrated Maine’s spirit of creativity, community, and care.
Receiving this award in our 25th anniversary year makes the moment even more meaningful. From the very beginning, WinterKids has believed that winter is for everyone. This honor celebrates not only how far we have come, but also the strong and supportive community that continues to help Maine kids thrive outdoors.
We are grateful to Governor Mills and the Department of Economic and Community Development for recognizing the power of outdoor education and play. And we are especially thankful to all of you who have walked, skied, snowshoed, and celebrated with us over the years.
Scroll through the gallery below to see photos from the ceremony and celebration!
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