The Ogunquit Playhouse is one of Maine’s cultural jewels and a cornerstone of America’s theatrical heritage. Over its 80-year history of producing the highest quality
theatre, it has earned the title of “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre” and is one of the last of the great Summer Theatres from the Straw Hat Circuit still producing traditional live musical theatre.

The Ogunquit Playhouse Scholarship Fund provides theatrical training for students with need in a supportive and nurturing environment. The Ogunquit Playhouse Children’s Theatre Camp for students age 5 to 18 is designed to identify, strengthen and enhance each student’s performance skills, self-esteem and self-expression. Students receive training in dance and choreography, improvisation, acting, staging and vocal work while preparing to perform before a live audience on the Playhouse stage. Each of the sessions culminates in a fully staged production on the Playhouse’s main stage!

Zebra Crossings’ mission is to enrich the lives of youth with chronic medical conditions by fostering greater self-confidence, a sense of independence and a desire to realize their full potential through fun and engaging enrichment programs that build a strong and caring community support network for families. Zebra Crossings was founded on the belief that young people need to have opportunities to feel empowered in a safe and supportive environment that allows them to learn new skills, to explore their values and beliefs, to feel a sense of belonging. These opportunities help shape their thinking and attitudes. Positive experiences away from home will help them gain a sense of independence and self-esteem.

The Jimmy Fund solely supports Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, raising funds
for adult and pediatric cancer care and research to improve the chances of survival for cancer patients around the world. Since its founding in 1948, the Jimmy Fund has raised millions of dollars through thousands of community fundraising events. The story of the Jimmy Fund is one of grassroots involvement — of thousands of people organizing bake sales, lemonade stands, runs, walks, golf tournaments, dances, and softball games to raise money for cancer research and care. The funds raised through New England Sings will be earmarked for pediatric cancer patient care and research.

My Breast Cancer Support is an independent NH 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional support to breast cancer patients throughout the
Greater Seacoast area of New Hampshire and Southern Maine.

Through the proceeds of New England Sings, thirty-six
York area youth and chaperones journeyed to Frederick, MD for a weeklong work camp. Hosted by First Parish Outreach, participants repaired and painted homes for people in need. These work camps include youth from around the nation who collaborate and develop group leadership and team-building skills to accomplish common goals. The trips are designed to help both the residents and the youth: by completing the home repair work and by showing the residents that someone cares about them; and by having the youth learn to reach out to others in need, both with their service and their compassionate interactions with the residents.

Enough Abuse Campaign

“According to the U.S. Department of Education, 10% percent of K-12 students report unwanted sexual contact with school personnel – usually a teacher or coach. Funding from New England Sings helped support the development of the Enough Abuse Campaign’s new state-of-the-field e-learning course on child sexual abuse prevention for schools. Importantly, this resource will help school personnel identify and respond to inappropriate behaviors of adults before they can ever escalate to sexual abuse. This is true prevention.” Jetta Bernier, Executive Director

Ogunquit Playhouse