The volunteers and Board of Directors at Project GRACE would like to extend its appreciation by saying thank you to everyone who participated in the annual St. Nicholas Golf Outing to benefit St. Nick’s and Project GRACE. This year’s tournament was renamed and better known to most locals as the Don Martin Classic in honor and memory of our friend, Don Martin, who passed away in September 2006.

Participation comes in many levels – sponsorship, playing golf at the event, volunteering, coordinating the event, etc. Project GRACE volunteers know and understand the time and commitment that goes into a fundraising event like the one that was held June 1 at Prout’s Neck Country Club in Scarborough. Every penny raised that day has special meaning behind it and the funds that were raised that day and donated to Project GRACE will be used in very meaningful ways as well.

Some examples of ways volunteers will use the money donated to Project GRACE is by sending children to camp this summer, whether it’s a sports-related camp, a civic-related camp or a child-care service during the summer months so Mom or Dad can continue to work and not have to worry about the extra expense associated with summer child care. We will soon be looking at ways to help families with back-to -chool expenses by providing fully stocked backpacks for children. We occasionally receive request for prescription eyeglasses for children and adults, and requests for clothing. Currently we are experiencing an increase in families needing assistance with food, gas and utility payments. Project GRACE also helps with mortgage payments, rent payments and any other request that comes in that we can fit into our guidelines.

Based in Scarborough, the nonprofit organization helps recipient families experiencing short-term needs in a confidential and caring manner. Funds are donated to Project GRACE via individuals, businesses, civic groups and through our own fundraising efforts. We work on a mostly volunteer basis. Project GRACE ssists between 125-200 families/individuals per year living in the greater Scarborough area. If you would like to volunteer for this organization or learn more about donating or the services we offer, please call 883-5111 or visit our Web site at www.projectgracemaine.org

Hope Taggart

Executive director

Project GRACE