AUBURN — The Maine Public Relations Council will host an informative session for members and nonmembers that examines the success of The Dempsey Challenge, the primary fundraiser for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center.

The fundraiser case study will be shared Friday, May 20, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Fireside Inn & Suites at 1777 Washington St.

Featured speakers include several staff members from the Dempsey Center: Wendy Tardif, executive director; Mary Dempsey, assistant director; Mark Turcotte, communications specialist; and Julia Harper, coordinator. The panel will share how a simple idea turned into a million-dollar fundraising event using valuable partnerships and effective storytelling.

Presenters will also discuss the benefits and challenges associated with connecting celebrities to an organization’s mission. In two years, The Dempsey Challenge has raised more than $2 million and attracted thousands of participants from 38 states and five countries who take part in the run, walk and cycling event.

The Dempsey Center provides free support, education and wellness services to cancer patients.

The event includes a continental breakfast. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The cost to attend the seminar is $20 for MPRC members and $35 for nonmembers. To register for the event, visit www.meprcouncil.org, call 207-761-4477 or email info@meprcouncil.org.

Each month, MPRC hosts at least one development program geared at educating industry professionals, students and any individual interested in the field of public relations about current topics practitioners face on the job and in their careers.