The Board of Directors of SARSSM is a governing and working board which is responsible for the determination of policy, and is accountable for the...
Fundraising Events
SARSSM has two primary fundraising events each year: our annual Chocolate Lovers' Fling and our annual Online Auction. We welcome any ideas for other community fundraisers as well.
The Annual Online Auction is SARSSM's second largest fundraiser of the year. Held each year from mid-November through mid-December, our annual online auction offers great deals to shoppers during the bulk of the holiday shopping season. Supported through the generous donations of over 120 donors throughout York and Cumberland counties, the auction is a great way for local businesses to get great brand exposure, new customers, and generate some last minute tax benefits. Our auction catalog was filled with over 250 items to choose from last year, including merchandise, services, restaurant gift cards and exciting get-aways! Bidding is lots of fun and easy to do at home in your jammies with a hot cup of cocoa. And the best part of all, is that by placing a bid, you are taking a stand against sexual violence, breaking the silence, and bringing help, hope, and healing to those who have been affected by sexual violence. It's that easy!
Can you think of a better way to measure the true meaning of the holiday season?
The Chocolate Lovers' Fling is SARSSM's largest fundraiser of the year. One of Portland's most popular events, the Fling has been a delicious way to welcome spring to York and Cumberland counties since 1987.
From the very beginning, the Fling served as a vehicle to raise awareness around the issues SARSSM represents and the services we provide. In 1989, Senator George Mitchell helped us with this goal by attending the Fling and speaking out against sexual assault, publicly supporting our mission and raising awareness. Since then, community leaders and local celebrities anticipate the opportunity to attend and judge the sweet entries and to show their support of SARSSM’s work. Notable attendees include news anchor Kim Block, Commissioner of Public Safety Michael Cantara and comedian Bob Marley.
Today the Chocolate Lovers’ Fling showcases some of the best chocolatiers from York and Cumberland counties. They generously serve up their most delectable chocolate treats to support this important cause. The Fling also attracts about 1,000 chocolate lovers and SARSSM supporters who make a chocolate pilgrimage to the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland, Maine each year making the Fling one of the best attended fundraising events in the State.
