Sweetser’s Holiday Gift Tag Program is now available through an Amazon registry

 

Sweetser has been providing holiday cheer to kids in residential care since 1828.

Each year, Sweetser reaches out to the community to help provide gifts for children in our crisis and residential programs throughout the state. For many, these gifts are the only ones they will receive this holiday season.

We have created an Amazon registry listing each child’s wish for a holiday gift this year.

Participation is easy:

  1. Go to Sweetser’s Amazon registry by clicking the button.
  2. Select the gift(s) you would like to purchase.
  3. Check out.

During checkout please be sure to do the following:

  1. Choose Shipping Address – Select Sara Towle’s Gift Registry Address. This will ensure the item gets to the proper person and department at Sweetser.
  2. Choose Gift Options – Please be sure to add your name and mailing address to the gift message box so that Sweetser can mail you an acknowledgement letter of your purchases for tax purposes.

Click this link to shop the registry.

The deadline to purchase items is December 17th. That will give Sweetser elves enough time to sort, wrap and distribute the gifts in time for the holidays.

Thank you for your support and please help make this holiday even brighter by passing out message along!

Ore Nell’s BBQ Community Night, Nov. 20th – Thank you for joining us!

Ore Nell’s BBQ Community Night
Thursday, Nov. 20th, 4 – 9 PM
42 Franklin St, Biddeford
20% of in-house sales benefit Sweetser.

Thank you for joining us for an evening of delicious barbecue and community spirit all for a great cause. On that special night, 20% of all in-house sales were donated directly to Sweetser, supporting mental health and wellness programs across Maine. Guests came hungry, enjoyed great food, and helped make a meaningful difference by supporting mental health in our community. Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support us. 

Flatbread Community Night Tuesday, Nov. 11th

Flatbread Community Night
Tuesday, Nov. 11th, 5 – 9 PM
72 Commercial Street, Portland
Flatbread pizza sales benefit Sweetser.

Thank you for joining us for an evening of delicious wood-fired pizza in support of mental health! A portion of all flatbread pizza sales during the evening went to support Sweetser’s mental health mission, helping provide vital behavioral, emotional, and wellness services to members of our community. We’ll see you next year!

NEW DATE: Ghoulish Golf postponed to Nov. 1st

Thanks for joining us for Ghoulish Golf! We hope you enjoyed our spooky community event. For more events in support of mental health, check out our upcoming community fundraisers.

Due to poor weather, Aquaboggan’s Ghoulish Golf has been postponed to this Saturday, November 1st, from 6:00–9:30 PM.


Join us for some spooky, family-friendly fun at this Halloween-themed mini golf event – all in support of Sweetser’s mental health services.

Enjoy fried dough, warm apple cider, popcorn, and more! Dress up in costume for $2 off admission. 🎃

Bring your family, friends, and co-workers for a night of fun for all ages in support of our mental health mission. Located at 980 Portland Road in Saco.

Smiles for Sweetser Comedy Show – Oct 24th

Thank you to everyone who made our first Smiles for Sweetser Comedy Show a huge success! We hope we made you smile. 🙂 Check out our upcoming community events here

Get ready for a night of non-stop laughs at our Smiles for Sweetser Comedy Show!
Catch four of New England’s best comedians—Will Noonan (Named Boston’s Best Comedian), Rob Steen (Featured on Late Show), Amy Tee, and local Gabriel Perez—all on one stage!
  • When: Friday, October 24th (Doors 6:30 PM)
  • Where: Italian Heritage Center, Portland
  • Why: Every ticket helps Sweetser provide vital mental health care and resources to Maine families!
This is an 18+ event. Don’t miss out on an incredible evening of comedy with a meaningful impact!

Every laugh helps bring hope and healing to those in need. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of comedy and community!

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW: https://sweetser.ejoinme.org/2025SmilesforSweetser 

MEET THE COMEDIANS

Will Noonan

Will was named “Boston’s Best Comedian” by The Improper Bostonian magazine, is sometimes known as “The Honda Guy” for his job as spokesman in Honda commercials on TV and radio all over New England, and as well as for his fan-favorite role in the Netflix movie The Sleepover. He is well known for his internet presence.

Rob Steen

Rob has been doing comedy for 25 years. He began as a street performer at the age of 12 in Boston MA. Using his juggling and improv skills he decided to try Stand-Up! Since then he has kept a full calendar of over 350 shows per year! Rob has also been featured on several TV shows including The Late Show with Dave Letterman where he was a frequent guest. Rob is very high energy and will bring the whole audience together as a group with his unique style of crowd participation. His act is a mix of situations & observations that he has been in for the past 21 years of being an entertainer. Rob has been compared to Robin Williams due to his fast paced delivery & quick wit. Rob is great at working the crowd and making every show different. It is no wonder he is one of the most requested comedians in the Northeast. Rob will keep you on your toes and laughing non-stop.

Amy Tee

 Armed with boyish charm and razor-sharp wit, Amy Tee has a talent for turning life’s messiest moments into comedic gold. Whether she’s riffing on bipolar disorder, recovery, or everyday absurdities, her humor is honest, disarming, and deeply human. She’s been featured by NAMI and other mental health organizations, using her act as both entertainment and advocacy. Specializing in breaking down stigmas around mental health, Amy doesn’t just perform—she connects, challenges, and heals through laughter.

Gabriel Perez

Gabriel Perez was raised in Chicago and moved to Maine at 24 after backpacking around the world. He would’ve been a dancer if his Broadway parents pushed him harder, but, without structure, arrived at comedy. He’s performed for three years, hosted for Bob Marley, and runs Final Bistro Productions and Flip Flops Comedy Club in Old Orchard Beach.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW: https://sweetser.ejoinme.org/2025SmilesforSweetser 

Definitive Brewing Company Bingo Night – Oct 15th

Thank you for joining us! Click here for more upcoming events. 

Enjoy a fun night of Bingo, draft brews, and delicious bites for a great cause!

On October 15th, Definitive Brewing is teaming up with Sweetser to host a fun-filled Bingo Night for mental health. During the evening, 20% of all draft sales will go to supporting Sweetser’s vital mental health services. Stop by Sweetser’s resource table for swag giveaways and information about how you can support mental wellness in your community.

Maine Beer Company Community Pizza Night for Sweetser – Oct 8th

Thank you for supporting mental health in our communities. 🙂 For more community events, click here
Join us Wednesday, October 8th for our Community Pizza Night hosted by Maine Beer Company in Freeport. From 4:00-8:00 PM, 20% of all food sales go to supporting Sweetser’s critical mission. Stop in for a slice for mental health. Located at 525 US Route 1, Freeport, ME.

Brunswick Brickyard Hollow to serve up some hope

Thank you so much for joining us! For more community fundraisers in support of mental health, click here

Brickyard Hollow in Brunswick is serving up some hope to support Sweetser!
Join us Tuesday Sept 23rd anytime between 5-9PM as a portion of proceeds from sales at Brickyard Hollow 149 Maine St in Brunswick will be donated to Sweetser.

Sweetser’s 33rd Annual Auction & Gala set for September 18th

Thank you for supporting our 33rd Annual Auction & Gala. With your help, we raised a record $400,000 to support our mental health mission. 🙂 For information about next year’s event, for sponsorship inquiries, or to donate, please contact Jodie Hansen, Director of Development, at jhansen@sweetser.org. 

Become a champion for children at Sweetser’s 33rd Annual Auction & Gala, to fuel hope for Maine’s most at-risk youth and provide lifesaving mental health treatment for Maine families.

Join our hosts, TV’s Lee Goldberg and Radio’s Lori Voornas, on Thursday, September 18th at 5:30 PM at Brick South on Thompson’s Point for a festive evening benefiting Sweetser’s mission.

Bid on over 300 silent and live auction items and raffles, including trips to Mexico, Ireland, and Alaska.

Enjoy live music by Plush and special guest American Idol’s Julia Gagnon, hors d’oeuvres by Blue Elephant Catering, desserts by the European Bakery, a wine wall, and a fun photo booth.

WHAT: Sweetser’s 33rd Annual Auction & Gala

WHEN: Thursday September 18th, Silent Auction Begins 5:30PM

WHERE: Brick South on Thompson’s Point in Portland

WHO: You!

Your generosity will help fuel lifesaving mental health treatment for Maine families regardless of their ability to pay.

Hole in one for Hope set for Golfer’s Crossing in Rockport

Thank you for joining us and supporting mental health for all. Click here for a list of upcoming community events! 

 

Think you can get a Hole in One for Hope?! ⛳

On Sunday, September 14th, from 11AM – 7PM, all proceeds from mini golf and ice cream sales at Golfer’s Crossing Mini Golf in Rockport will go directly to supporting mental health initiatives in the area.  Grab a putter, bring along some friends & family, enjoy some delicious treats, and help make a big difference on the green. 🍦

  • What: Hole in One for Hope
  • When: Sunday, September 14th, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Where: Golfer’s Crossing Mini Golf, located at 7 Country Inn Way, Rockport
  • Why: To support mental health programs through Sweetser