Dave Gervais gives his signature thumbs-up recently at his home in Lewiston seated beside awards and plaques he’s received for his fundraising efforts for the Dempsey Challenge. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

LEWISTON — David Gervais, 65, has raised more than $200,000 over the roughly 15 years he has participated in the Dempsey Challenge — earning the spot as the Challenge’s top fundraiser in 2009, 2010 and 2011, he said.

Gervais’ passion and devotion to fundraising for the Challenge has not only earned him fundraising awards and deep appreciation from Challenge leaders, but members of the Lewiston-Auburn delegation to the Maine Legislature previously presented Gervais with a special legislative sentiment.

The Lewiston resident enjoys catching up with Patrick Dempsey every year during the challenge, he said. He has the highest number of individual sponsors every year, according to Gervais, though this year he is teaming up with the Dempsey Center Squad.

We caught up with him right before this year’s Challenge to ask about his efforts and the secrets to his fundraising success.

Has cancer impacted your life?

I am fortunate that none of my close family members have been impacted by cancer, but I have had many friends pass away due to cancer. I do the Challenge because I love helping people and the Dempsey Center helps people when they need it most.

What first inspired you to raise money for the Challenge?

I had participated in the American Diabetes Association Walk for many years. I raised over $100,000 for diabetes research. When that walk was discontinued I wanted to keep helping people and I joined the Dempsey Challenge.

Is there a secret to your fundraising success?

I just ask everybody. I send out over 1,000 letters, I go door to door, I talk to people wherever I go and I tell them about the Dempsey Center and my fundraising efforts.

Patrick Dempsey talks with top fundraiser Dave Gervais of Lewiston at the 2016 Dempsey Challenge in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal file

Is there friendly competition among people raising funds? Is that a motivation for you?

As far as competition goes, I always want to be No. 1, but my primary reason is just to help people.

What was it like meeting Patrick Dempsey? What’s the thing you remember most about him?

Meeting Patrick is amazing. We are buddies. I look forward to seeing him every year and he looks forward to seeing me too. He is awesome.

What advice would you give others who want to be successful in raising funds?

The best advice I can give is don’t be bashful — just ask. People really want to help and they will. You just need to ask.