Easterseals Evening with John Samenfeld
Manchester, NH – This is a banner year for Easterseals NH as they celebrate their 80th Anniversary, journey through a “brand renaissance,” and kick off their “Big Ideas for Building Independence Capital Campaign.” The inspiration for the 2016 Big Ideas project came in the form of a generous $500,000 gift from PROCON and the Stebbins Family. PROCON’s gift was given in tribute to former Easterseals NH Board Member and PROCON Vice Chairman John Samenfeld. John has been a strong supporter and champion of Easterseals NH programs and services for more than 32 years.
The Big Ideas Campaign will allow Easterseals NH to renovate their 60,000 SF building located at 555 Auburn Street in Manchester. An upgraded facility will enable them to expand their existing programs while moving current (offsite services) into the new and improved space. The resulting consolidation of staff and programs under one roof will provide “one-stop-shopping” for their valued clients.
News of the PROCON donation and Capital Campaign kick-off was announced at the 2016 Annual Celebration of Giving evening on 15th November at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester. Easterseals community leadership, supporters, volunteers, and clients who have benefitted from its services attended the event.
Easterseals construction signage
The evening’s moving testimonials, speeches and performances came to a crescendo with the drumroll announcement of PROCON’s $500,000 gift. PROCON CEO and Chairman Mark Stebbins, along with Sally Stebbins, were joined by Easterseals NH President and CEO Larry Gammon, who announced the naming of the renovated building as The Easterseals New Hampshire John A. Samenfeld Center. The Stebbins Family and PROCON would like Easter Seals to use it as a challenge to raise an equal amount.
For the last 32 years, John Samenfeld has contributed significantly to Easterseals NH. He has chaired various committees of the board, as wells as fundraising campaigns, and has consistently been a leader in securing funds for their programs, raising more than $500,000 throughout the years. He has made a tremendous impact for those served by Easterseals. “I am humbled, honored and so grateful to the Stebbins family and my PROCON family for giving Easterseals its largest single gift ever and to the Easterseals Board for naming the Center after me. Most importantly the gift also honors the Easterseals administration and staff, who work tirelessly to provide our NH community with the best services available and our clients and families who will be better served by the updated and modern space,” stated John Samenfeld.
Senior Advancement Officer Karen Van Der Beken recalled her experience on the board with John. “I remember that John was the first volunteer to push for philanthropy. It was he who suggested that we should actively seek donations to support our continuing programs and services.” She explained. “John was a role model for the board and staff, by not only leading the charge but, also by active participation.”
“John was more than a spectator; he was a participant. During our annual telethons, he was right there manning the phones and reaching out to his community connections for their support,” added Pamela Dube, Senior Director of Communications.
Although John’s last board term ended in 2011, he has remained supportive of Easterseals as a former board member through the Annual VIP Campaign raising funds in the business community. Recognized for his commitment and outstanding efforts, he was the 2008 recipient of the Eugene Van Loan III Leadership Award. The PROCON and Stebbins Family gift are to honor his legacy in the Easterseals NH community.
PROCON has been an active supporter of Easterseals for decades. In 2004 their generous gift led the way for the organization to start an Autism Clinic. Over the years, the Company, along with John Samenfeld has championed Easterseals through numerous campaign activities raising visibility and community awareness for those with disabilities in the state.
The Auburn Street facility has been home to children, adult and senior services since 1982. The building’s total renovation costs are estimated at $3.5 million, and plans are to raise $2.5 million and finance the difference. To date, $1.7 million has been raised, including the Stebbins gift. Phase I of the renovation work began in October and is expected to be completed next summer, simultaneous with the campaign’s conclusion, and followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony.
In total, Easterseals NH offers 90 different programs and impacts nearly 27,000 people in the New Hampshire community each year. Ultimately, all the initiatives have one clear goal in mind of more effectively serving the people of the community and the state of New Hampshire. The branding may be evolving with a renewed clarity and relevance, but the purpose remains strong, serving as a guidepost for change in the way disabilities are defined and making a difference for years to come.
Larry Gammon summed up the Big Ideas Campaign saying, “This would not be possible without the generous gift from The Stebbins Companies, nor the lifetime commitment that John Samenfeld has given to Easterseals, and we are proud to name this most comprehensive social services center in New Hampshire the John A Samenfeld Center. Our Board, staff, and thousands of consumers will be forever grateful.”
The post PROCON & Stebbins Family Support Easterseals NH appeared first on High-Profile.