On Tuesday, November 14, more than 140 people attended Chase Home’s 4th Annual Wine, Appetizer & Chocolate Tasting at Tuscan Kitchen in Portsmouth with more than $25,000 raised to benefit services for at-risk youth.
Expressing “amazement” at the money raised from the event, which was sponsored by The Provident Bank, Chase Home Executive Director Meme Wheeler said she is equally enthused at the “new faces” in attendance.
“We had a number of people here who just heard about the event and our cause and wanted to get involved,” she said. “It was really incredible to see—and Tuscan Kitchen was an incredible host who contributed to the event, too. This as a wonderful group effort.”
For the event sponsors at The Provident Bank, contributing to Chase Home’s mission makes sense.
“I am honored to support this incredible event that not only brings awareness to the surrounding communities, but also gives children and families hope for a brighter future,” said Josephine Yeo, assistant vice president and business development officer.
Relationship Officer at The Provident Bank, Kelly Goodwin added, “I strongly believe in supporting the Chase Home because of its mission to help at-risk youth and their families in our surrounding communities. It is so important to help an organization that works hard to help these young people get back on track and lead meaningful lives.”
Founded in 1877 as an orphanage, Chase Home has evolved through the years to meet needs in the community related to at-risk children and youth. Providing a home for some while working with others in the community to prevent placement, Chase Home provides evidence-based treatment and support to families in crisis.
According to Jennifer Desrosiers, who serves on Chase Home’s Board of Directors, the event underscores critical needs.
“There are gaps in funding every year that we must fill,” she said. “Our hope is to continue to build a vibrant and supportive community around Chase Home so we can continue to meet complex needs.’
Mike LaLime, who serves with Desrosiers, said the generosity shown by individuals and businesses “significantly affects [their] bottom line.”
“There are more kids who need our services than we can work with on any given day,” he said. “With strong fundraising and best business practices, Chase Home can do more for our community. It’s happening.”
Since its first year in 2014, the annual fundraiser for Chase Home has grown from netting the agency $2,000 to this year’s total of more than $25,000.
“It is hard to put into words how important this event is to our agency,” said Wheeler. “It is now our job to work smart and effectively so we can change the lives of kids in crisis.”
To learn more about Chase Home, its Wheels 4 Chase Home campaign, or to offer support, visit www.chasehome.org.