On Tuesday, November 13 at The Atlantic Grill in Rye, more than 150 people are expected to attend The Chase Home’s 5th Wine & Chocolate Tasting. The nonprofit agency’s largest fundraiser, it has attracted the support of Kennebunk Savings, which recently presented a $2,500 check to Meme Wheeler, executive director at The Chase Home.
According to Wheeler, the financial support and emerging partnership are critical to their operations.
“We rely on contributed revenue to fill gaps in our budget,” she said. “The state mandates our services and compensates us, but what we receive is sometimes half of what it actually costs. We are so grateful to Kennebunk Savings and their belief in our mission.”
While noting that reducing expenses is always on the agency’s list of objectives, Wheeler said the level of support required by the at-risk youth they serve comes with hard costs.
“We are charged with solving the most complex social issues with resources that are often inadequate and a funding landscape that is constantly changing,” she said. “Corporate sponsorships like this with Kennebunk Savings help provide critically needed financial support that we can then use how and when we need it.”
Kennebunk Savings’ Carlos Maldonado, who is also volunteering his time to work with The Chase Home’s Seacoast Community Diversion Program (SCDP), said he is proud to support the agency.
“I decided to join the Seacoast Community Diversion Program, because I’m a big believer in the advantages of restorative justice and our youth receiving a second chance,” he said.
The goal of the SCDP is to divert youth from re-offending and entering the Juvenile Justice System.
“The program offers children and their families the opportunity to partake in therapeutic services and adventure based learning to help address the challenges they face,” he added.
As for why Kennebunk Savings has elected to support The Chase Home, Maldonado said their organizational goal is “to partner with organizations that meet the needs of our community.”
“We felt that The Chase Home’s mission of supporting at-risk youth and their families was a great fit,” he said. “We’re proud to sponsor their upcoming Wine & Chocolate Tasting fundraiser.”
In addition to wine, chocolate and appetizers, this year’s event will feature a silent and live auction. Proceeds will support programs and services provided by The Chase Home to at-risk youth and families in crisis. These programs and services include Residential Services, Home-Based Services, Seacoast Community Diversion Program, Independent Living and Seacoast Youth Suicide Prevention Network.
In addition to Kennebunk Savings, major financial support is provided by Meredith Village Savings Bank.
The 5th Wine & Chocolate Tasting will take place on Tuesday, November 13 from 6 and 8 pm at The Atlantic Grill, 5 Pioneer Road in Rye. Doors open at 5:30 pm.
Individual tickets for the fundraiser are $65. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $250, which includes complimentary admission(s) to the event.
There are a limited number of available tickets. Tickets may be securely purchased online at www.chasehome.org.