Connecting Virtually to Support Programs
Philanthropy Soldiers On Despite Pandemic
Despite an inability to hold large in-person fundraising events, the philanthropy department at Maine Behavioral Healthcare rolled up their collective sleeves to continue the important work of raising funds for our programs. They are to be commended for their outstanding efforts. Here are a few highlights from the year:
Breaking Ground on the Center of Excellence in Autism & Developmental Disorders
Maine Behavioral Healthcare broke ground on construction of the Center of Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders in March 2020, despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In June, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins helped kicked off a virtual celebration of that milestone, which also celebrated the campaign achieving its $5.1 million break-ground fundraising goal. The Center of Excellence campaign seeks to raise $7.35 million of the $14.7 million total project cost and anticipates the campaign’s successful conclusion in September 2021.
Photo: Maine Behavioral Healthcare Center of Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders Campaign Cabinet L to R: Matt Siegel, Wendi O’Donovan, Nancy Pond and Kelly Barton
Special Events Spark Momentum in Campaign Fundraising
Paul & Giselaine Coulombe
In August 2020, Giselaine and Paul Coulombe hosted an event at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club to raise awareness and support for the Center of Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders campaign. Their passion around the project brought together a group of community leaders and interested family members to hear about the exciting project. Event speakers included Paul Coulombe, MaineHealth President Rich Petersen and Cathy Honeycomb, mother of young adult twins with autism and campaign cabinet member. By the end of the evening more than $585,000 was raised toward the innovative building project.
In October 2020, our Campaign Cabinet members Tami Goldsmith and Erin Soucy hosted an intimate reception for friends and donors at North 43 Bistro in South Portland to continue building awareness of the Center of Excellence and encourage financial support for our campaign. Maine Behavioral Healthcare’s new president, Kelly Barton, made her event debut with welcoming greetings to those attending. The evening affair raised more than $105,000, extending the campaign’s momentum through the fall.
Brightening the Holidays for Spring Harbor Patients
For many, the holidays mark “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for those who spend the holidays away from their loved ones to take care of their health, the season can be difficult to get through.
Thanks to all who spread their love and support by donating to the Holiday Partners Program, which provided gifts to those who were receiving care at Spring Harbor in December 2020.
A very special thanks to our friends at UNUM, the Westbrook Women’s Club, and Woodard & Curran for sponsoring gift drives, which sent carloads of gifts to our patients who may otherwise have gone without.
Thank You to Our Donors
Our sincerest gratitude goes out to those who helped support Maine Behavioral Healthcare in 2020. Because of your commitment and generosity, we are able to provide the people we serve with timely access to the best and most appropriate care available and treat them with compassion, dignity and respect.
Center of Excellence Campaign Thrives through Pandemic Year
Launched in February 2019, 2020 was a make-or-break fundraising year for the campaign, and consequently, the building project it would support. Although the campaign raised an impressive $3.9 million in 2019, more than half of the total $7.35 million goal, the pressure was on to raise the $5.1 million required to break ground on construction by spring of 2020. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic shut down that ensued had many nervously wondering about the campaign’s future.
Undeterred by the economic turbulence and uncertain fundraising environment, the campaign’s Cabinet of volunteer leaders pressed forward, all the more determined. Individual cabinet members stepped forward with significant gift commitments at key moments during the early spring and convinced family and the boards of organizations to do the same. This tireless effort not only lifted total fundraising above our break-ground goal but maintained that momentum well into the fall.
By December’s end, the campaign had secured more than $6.4 million in gifts and pledges, with less than a million remaining toward the overall campaign goal. The campaign would be well positioned for a successful 2021.
$7.35 Million Campaign Timeline Progress
Local Family Invests in Improved Access to Treatment for Autism
When the Schaeffers heard about the capital campaign designed to make the Center of Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders a reality, they were quick to lend their support through a generous donation to support other families just like theirs.
Show Your Support
Your donation will directly support the advancement of care for people with developmental disorders. Call 207-661-6667 to learn more or give now through our secure web form.