On Tuesday, November 14 from 6 to 8 pm at Tuscan Kitchen in Portsmouth, The Chase Home for Children will host its 4th Annual Wine, Appetizer & Chocolate Tasting with proceeds to benefit services for at-risk youth. Last year, the event raised $10,000—a number Chase Home Board of Director Mike LaLime said they hope to eclipse by 50 percent.
“We had about 100 people at the event last year—it was incredible to have so many folks join us in support of youth and families in crisis,” said LaLime, who owns Tre Restoration & Cleaning in Portsmouth. “I think we can raise $15,000 this year and go past that.”
Founded in 1877, Chase Home provides a variety of services both in its residential home and in the community. Most recently, the agency has developed and begun to implement several prevention and early intervention programs in close partnership with other agencies.
“We are not working alone,” explained Meme Wheeler, executive director at Chase Home. “It is essential we respond to and anticipate community needs within a framework of collaboration. I’m also amazed at the amount of community support we have received. We are so fortunate.”
At the fundraiser, guests will enjoy chocolate (donated by Lindt) paired with several varieties of wine. Light appetizers will also be served. As was the case last year, Chase Home will provide guests with an opportunity to ‘Fund a Need,’ which proved “wildly popular,” according to Wheeler.
“It gave people a chance to learn more about what we do, our specific needs, and ways they could help,” she said. “It was actually quite heartwarming.”
For Laney & Lu Café Owner Jennifer Desrosiers, last year’s event, which she attended, 
helped demonstrate Chase Home’s impact on the community.
“I had been volunteering there for several months, so I knew a bit about Chase Home, but the event was incredible with real energy,” she said. “It was a great experience and encouraged me to learn more about Chase Home.”
Having since joined the Chase Home Board of Directors earlier this year, Desrosiers said she looks forward to “a fun evening.”
“Chocolate, wine, great people, great cause—this is a wonderful event,” she added.
For LaLime, the event is one of the highlights of his year.
“I love Chase Home and serving on this Board,” he said. “I believe in what we are doing and I believe in the community around us.”
Individual tickets for the fundraiser are $65, a pair is $110, 6 tickets are $300, and 12 are $600.
The event will take place on Tuesday, November 14 from 6 to 8 pm at Tuscan Kitchen, 581 Lafayette Rd in Portsmouth.
There are a limited number of tickets offered for this event. Tickets may be purchased online at www.chasehome.org.