Since opening in 2018, The Groomsmith has held holiday fundraisers to benefit children served by The Chase Home, a tradition expanded this year to include J.Hilburn and Seacoast Cars & Coffee.
“It’s been exciting to work with the guys for such a great cause,” noted J.Hilburn Stylist Bill MacDonald, who has been involved in every fundraiser as an Ambassador at The Chase Home.
Originally started as a grand opening celebration for The Groomsmith, which is owned by Reed Maerder, the annual fundraiser has grown larger each year. “Last year, we had to go virtual, so we used the opportunity to raise money to buy desks for the kids as they switched to remote learning,” explained MacDonald. “Damien [Callahan] of Seacoast Cars & Coffee joined in the effort last year, delivering the desks to the Home.”
This year, the fundraiser kicks off at 5 p.m. on December 1 at Seacoast Cars & Coffee at 50 Fox Run Rd in Newington followed by 25 days of digital fundraising. Its intent is to start a clothing fund for the kids at The Chase Home.
Founded in 1877, The Chase Home in Portsmouth serves at-risk youth statewide annually through prevention, early intervention, and residential and community-based programs. Some youth are served in the community, while others live at The Chase Home.
According to The Chase Home Executive Director Meme Wheeler, the annual cost to outfit kids with clothing is approximately $10,000. “Many of the families we serve are financially limited, so this is a real cost we bear each year,” she said. “We are incredibly thankful for these businesses working with their clientele to fill this need.”
In addition to Bill MacDonald and Reed Maerder, the GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized by J.Hilburn stylist and Chase Home Ambassador Graham Shaffer-Rais. Supporting sponsors include Great Bay Limousine and Liars Bench Beer Co. “We are incredibly thankful for these businesses working with their clientele to fill this need,” added Wheeler.
To make a donation to the Clothes for Kids Chase Home Fundraiser, click here.