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Sponsored by: The Center for Grieving Children
Updated: September 26, 2022 2022 Giving Guide

The Center for Grieving Children

2023 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: Lead community response to challenges and emerging needs related to supporting grieving children and families.

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

Fundraising/Event Opportunities

As we kick off our 35th year, we are excited for a season of thoughtfully planned opportunities to safely gather with supporters in-person. Visit our website for the latest details, or https://www.cgcmaine.org/donate to support us today. This winter, we look forward to the return of our annual LOVE Gala, the Center’s largest fundraising event which will be held in-person on Feb. 3, 2023. Both sponsorships and individual tickets are available for this meaningful evening of connection and community, during which the Center will celebrate 35 years of love and support for Maine’s grieving children and families with live music, an impactful program and exciting live auction. Our Corporate Partner Program also provides local businesses 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!

Giving Opportunities

Gifts to the Center keep our services free for children and families during the most difficult losses, changes and challenges imaginable.

  • Individual Donors and “Friends of Hope,” our monthly giving program to spread 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.
  • Giving on Children’s Grief Awareness Day – Nov. 17, 2022
  • #GivingTuesday – Nov. 29, 2022

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

 

Board officers

Anne Heros: Executive Director

 

Mike Wilson: President

 

Peter DeWitt, Board Vice President: Head of Talent Marketing & Community Relations, IDEXX

Kevin Chase, Board Treasurer: Senior Internal Auditor, WEX

Lindsey Kerkela, Board Secretary: HR Generalist, Open Technology Fund

Mark Pettingill, Immediate Past Board President: President & CEO, Patrons Oxford Insurance

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

Doug Currier, Board At Large: Partner, Verrill

 

Board members

Andrew Baldacci: CEO, SaberSim

Matthew Brucker: President, SHP Management Corp.

Brian Cho: Transformation, Strategy and Corporate Development, Convera

Maureen Clancy: Language Access Coordinator, Portland Public Schools

Jenilee Crowley: Marketing Director, Two Lights Settlement

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

Kris Eimicke: Partner, Pierce Atwood LLP

John Holland: Retired, Former Director, Sappi, North America

Thomas Kelly: Vice President, Finance, Hannaford Supermarkets

Sara McLaughlin: Accounting/Finance Consultant

Rob McPheeters: Vice President of Strategic Development, Envirologix

Francis Mesina: Managing Partner, New York Life Insurance

Diana Nelson: Principal, Black Fly Media

Mary Ottolini MD: The George W. Hallett MD Chair of Pediatrics - Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, Maine Medical Center

Jeannine Pendergast: Senior ESOP Client Advisor, Spinnaker Trust

Liz Plizga: Vice President, Diversified Communications HQ

Jack Yao: Senior Vice President & Chief Information Office, The MEMIC Group

At a glance

Established: 1987

Employees: 15

Annual revenue: $1,484,142

Top funding sources

40% Individuals and corporate partners

29% Grants

17% Government grants

11% Events

3% Other

Contact

555 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101

893 Maine St., Sanford, ME 04073

(207) 775-5216

https://www.cgcmaine.org

https://www.facebook.com/cgcmaine

https://www.instagram.com/cgcmaine

Accolades

2021: 7th annual Red Sox Foundation IMPACT Award: 1st place in Maine

2022: 8th annual Red Sox Foundation IMPACT Award: 1st place in Maine

Mission Statement

Celebrating its 35th year, the Center for Grieving Children provides a safe space, loving peer support, outreach, and education to grieving children, teens, families and the community. Last fiscal year, the Center served 591 children and families in peer support groups and reached over 1,800 people through outreach and education.

Service locations

On-site peer support groups serve families from surrounding towns. Online groups also reach rural families. Crisis response and education is accessible to organizations throughout Maine.