One of the most important organizational skills that must be developed by nonprofits is relationship-building, the result of which will be demonstrated at the New Castle 10K on Saturday, April 18.
“I selected Chase Home in Portsmouth as one of our race beneficiaries,” said Organizer and Seacoast resident Nick Diana, who acknowledged the nonprofit agency had not previously been “on his radar.”
“My good friend Jenna [Thomson] joined their board and simply asked if I would consider donating,” he added. “I was familiar with Chase Home already and had donated to them through a business I started years back, but it wasn’t until I attended a recent event where I really felt the impact they had on children in need.”
For Thomson, who now serves The Chase Home as an ambassador, the opportunity to tell others about the agency’s work is part of her everyday life.
“I tell people about The Chase Home and what we are doing for kids,” she said. “I enjoy building relationships to advance their mission.”
Founded in 1877, 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. Some youth are served in the community while others live at Chase Home.
As for the race itself, Diana said this is its third year with more than $11,000 donated to local charities since its inception. A runner himself, he said he has tried to create the best running event possible.
“Our event makes every effort to have a very small footprint on the environment with the use of compostable cups and trash bags,” he said. “Local artist Dan Blakeslee has been commissioned to create a custom print for the race that will be given to each registered runner for free, too.”
He said other perks include a free beer and stainless steel pint glass.
“Add in a beautiful course, a low registration fee, charitable mission and the most beautiful route, and it’s hard not to register,” he said.
To learn more about the New Castle 10K and all other beneficiaries, visit newcastlenh10k.com.
To learn more about The Chase Home, visit chasehome.org.