Supporting a worthy cause was just the icing on the cake during a recent birthday getaway to coastal Maine. Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine — a quick 15-minute drive from downtown Portland and just two hours north of Boston — is one of my favorite small hotels. I discovered the inn about two and a half years ago when my sister, Nancy, and I enjoyed a delightful two-night spa getaway. The inn popped back onto my radar a few weeks ago when I noticed a Facebook post by Global Traveler contributor Hilary Nangle citing a charitable fundraising event sponsored by the Maine Innkeepers Association. Between April 21 and May 23 (so there’s still time to book!), participating inns offer 50 percent off their regular room rates in exchange for a $35 donation (per stay) to Habitat for Humanity. Dubbed Hospitality for Habitat, the annual initiative, established in 2004, has raised more than $115,000 to build homes for low-income families in Maine. “Each year the 10 state-wide chapters of Habitat for Humanity distribute funds raised by the program to help build or winterize homes in their communities,” said Greg Dugal, president and CEO, Maine Innkeepers Association. “Guests not only have the opportunity to visit the state at greatly reduced rates, but they really seem to enjoy giving back to the communities where they love to vacation.” — Lisa Matte, editor in chief