What began as a tribute to a beloved mother and Biddeford High School (BHS) alumna became a powerful display of community support, compassion, and Tiger Pride as the BHS girls and boys lacrosse teams recently raised $3,419.15 to benefit the MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Oncology Department. “Gloria’s Game,” held on May 23, 2026, honored Gloria (Townsend) Berkowitz, the mother of Biddeford boys lacrosse coach Marsh Gray, who passed away from breast cancer in 1991 at the age of 36.
“Gloria’s Game was incredibly personal for me and my family,” said Marsh Gray, Head Boys Lacrosse Coach and Humanities Teacher at Biddeford High School. “My mother loved Biddeford High School deeply, and so much of who I am today was shaped by her strength, kindness, and love for this community. To see our players, families, and supporters come together to honor her memory while supporting others facing cancer means more than I can put into words. I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible.”
A proud member of the Biddeford High School Class of 1972, Gloria (Townsend) Berkowitz was remembered by family and friends as a compassionate, resilient woman who embraced life with warmth, creativity, and grace. Her enduring love for Biddeford High School and Tiger Pride inspired Coach Gray’s decision to return to Biddeford High School in 2022 to teach and coach in the same community that had once meant so much to his mother.
“Gloria’s Game represents everything high school athletics should be about: community, compassion, leadership, and purpose beyond the scoreboard,” said Dennis Walton, Athletic Director of Biddeford High School. “The fact that our lacrosse programs raised $3,419.15 makes this the largest donation ever made to a local organization through a BHS team fundraiser. We are incredibly proud of Coach Gray, our student-athletes, and everyone who supported this meaningful effort.”
Funds were raised through concession donations, a bake sale, and generous online contributions from players, families, and community supporters. They were donated to MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Oncology in recognition of the exceptional care Gloria (Townsend) Berkowitz received during her battle with cancer and the compassion shown to both her and her family during that difficult time.
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Oncology provides comprehensive oncology services and treats more cancer patients annually than any other hospital in Maine. Their specialized programs include medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and access to groundbreaking clinical trials that continue to advance cancer treatment and patient care throughout Maine.
Organizers hope Gloria’s Game will continue to serve not only as a fundraiser, but also as a meaningful reminder of the power of community, remembrance, and hope.
(L-R) Marsh Gray, Head Boys Lacrosse Coach of Biddeford High School, presents Deborah Mayerson, Leadership Gifts Officer of MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, with a $3,419.15 donation to the oncology program following Gloria’s Game. The gift is the largest donation ever made to a local organization through a BHS team fundraiser.