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September 21, 2023 2023 Giving Guide

Center for Grieving Children

2024 Goals

Our vision is that all children and families have access to grief support at no cost for as long as necessary. We want every person in Maine to know about the Center’s services so that no child has to grieve alone.

Goal 1: Provide high-quality grief peer support programs for Maine children and their families in-person at the Center’s Portland and Sanford locations, and virtually.

Goal 2: Support schools, workplaces and agencies through crisis response services and grief-related education and training.

Goal 3: Act as thought leaders in grief in our community, responding to challenges and emerging needs related to supporting bereaved children and families.

Goal 4: Meaningfully recognize the volunteers, donors and business sponsors who keep the Center’s services free for families.

Fundraising events/Opportunities

The Center for Grieving Children hosts both small and large-scale events throughout the year. Please visit our website for the latest details, or www.cgcmaine.org/donate to support us today. This winter, we look forward to our annual LOVE Gala, the Center’s largest fundraising event. Both sponsorships and individual tickets will be available for this meaningful evening of connection and community.

Our Corporate Partner Program also provides local businesses with great visibility and employee volunteer opportunities. Depending on the giving level, year-round partnerships include recognition at our events, webinars, conferences and tailored communications. Beloved business supporters can also donate a percentage of sales or create their own customized fundraiser to support the Center. Many opportunities are available!

TV anchor Erin Ovalle at the Love Gala, the Center’s largest fundraising event.

Giving Opportunities.

  • Individual Donors help create dependable revenue for the Center by making annual gifts.
  • “Friends of Hope” is our monthly giving program that spreads giving throughout the year.
  • Corporate Partners invest in a relationship with great returns for businesses, employees, the community and the Center.
  • Contributions are made to the Center in memory or honor of a loved one, or to mark a special occasion or company milestone.
  • Bequests leave a legacy of support, by joining the Bill Hemmens Society, ensuring our services will be available for children and families for years to come.
  • #GivingTuesday – Nov. 28, 2023.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are at the heart of the Center’s service and work throughout the community.

  • Program Facilitators make a weekly commitment to our peer-based grief support groups for children and their adult family members. The Center provides excellent training and ongoing support.
  • Event volunteers help make our fundraising events successful. We welcome individuals and groups of employees to assist at our events.
  • Office volunteers assist with a variety of projects on a one-time or ongoing basis.
  • Employee volunteer groups can hold their own fundraiser to benefit the Center or complete special projects in collaboration with the Center.

Leadership

Anne Heros, Executive Director

 

Doug Currier, President, Partner, Verrill

 

Board officers

Kim Donnelly, Vice President, Executive Vice President, Director of Wealth & Business, Gorham Savings Bank

Sara McLaughlin, Treasurer, Accounting/Finance Consultant

Lindsey Kerkela, Secretary, HR Consultant

Michael Wilson, Immediate Past President, Executive Vice President/COO, Great Falls Marketing

Board Members

Kathy Baker (At Large): Rental Manager/Agent, Kennebunk Beach Realty Inc.

Andrew Baldacci: CEO, Saber Simulations LLC

Matt Brucker: President, SHP Management Corp.

Brian Cho: Vice President, Transformation, Strategy & Corporate Development, Convera

Maureen Clancy: Language Access Coordinator, Portland Public Schools

Peter Dewitt: Head of Talent Marketing & Community Relations, IDEXX

Kris Eimicke: Partner, Pierce Atwood

Thomas Kelly: Vice President, Finance, Hannaford Supermarkets

Jennifer Kimball: Chief Accounting Officer, WEX

Jerry Lyon: Manager, FirstLight Communications

Holly Margeson Gamache: Adjunct Professor/Trainer, York County Community College

Rob McPheeters: Vice President, Envirologix

Diana Nelson: Principal, Black Fly Media

Mary Ottolini, MD: Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital

Jeannine Pendergast: Senior ESOP Client Advisor, Spinnaker Trust

Elizabeth Plizga: Group Vice President, Diversified Communications

Eric Swanson: Vice President, Claims, Patrons Oxford Insurance Co.

Monique Violette: Realtor, Portside

Jack Yao: Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, MEMIC

At a Glance

Established: 1987

Employees: 17

Annual revenue: $1,283,270

Top funding sources

48% Individuals and corporate partners

36% Grants

13% Events

3% Other

Contact

555 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101

(207) 775-5216

www.cgcmaine.org

Facebook/Instagram: @cgcmaine

LinkedIn: @the-center-for-grieving-children

Awards/Accolades

2023: Certificate of Special Recognition from U.S. Sen. Angus King for the Center for Grieving Children’s 35th Anniversary

2022: 8th Annual Red Sox IMPACT Awards, 1st place in Maine

2021: 7th Annual Red Sox IMPACT Awards, 1st place in Maine

Mission Statement

The Center for Grieving Children’s mission is to provide a safe space, loving peer support, outreach and education to grieving children, teens, families and the community.

Service locations

Most of The Center for Grieving Children’s participants reside in Cumberland and York counties. We also serve other Maine counties and parts of New Hampshire remotely via Zoom.