The result of substantial effort made by numerous businesses, a Grand Opening Event at The Groomsmith in Portsmouth this past Saturday netted $3,000 to support The Chase Home.
Founded in 1877, The Chase Home in Portsmouth is one of the oldest nonprofits in New Hampshire, serving more than 140 at-risk youth annually statewide through prevention, early intervention, residential and community-based programs.
Organized by J. Hilburn stylists, Graham Shaffer-Rais and Bill MacDonald, the event raised money through haircuts and financial contributions from Port City Nissan, Bangor Savings Bank, Kane Insurance, and RE/MAX On The Move. TD Bank also attended the event and presented a check to support The Chase Home’s Van Maintenance Fund.
At the event, guests enjoyed complimentary food and drink, courtesy of Ristorante Massimo The River House, Cup of Joe, The Fresh Press, Great Rhythm, and Cisco Brewers.
The Chase Home Executive Director Meme Wheeler, who attended the event, said she is thrilled at the support and opportunity to build new relationships with area businesses and sponsors.
“The financial support is great, but Graham and Bill also introduced us to many new people,” she said. “The opportunity to explain our mission and get new people and businesses engaged is so important for us.”
For MacDonald, the best part of the day for him was the chance to see male youth from The Chase Home receive professional haircuts from Reed and Zach Maerder.
“It was amazing to see how Reed and Zach’s cuts raised their confidence level while they were there,” he said.
Reed agreed and added, “You never truly know the impact a simple act of kindness has on an individual. Zach and I were thrilled to see the boys in such high spirits while visiting The Groomsmith.”
Expressing gratitude for all the effort that went into the event, Wheeler said such grassroots efforts are critically important.
“Events like this raise money and raise awareness while at the same time connect nonprofit agencies with new people–they do everything you really need from a development perspective all at one time,” she said. “I want everyone to know that The Chase Home is a wonderful agency, and I hope people have fun working with us, too. We love collaborations.”
To learn more about The Chase Home, or its upcoming 5th Wine & Chocolate Tasting on November 13 with major support by Kennebunk Savings and Meredith Village Savings Bank, visit chasehome.org.