Three local companies, Newcastle Realty, Cheney Insurance, and Newcastle Vacation Rentals, comprise the Cheney Financial Group. As individual companies, and collectively, the Cheney Financial Group is committed to supporting its local communities and neighbors.
By pooling resources and employees, the group funds a number of organizations through its Charitable Giving and Community Outreach Program. It supports entities engaged in helping children, the elderly, people in need, and those that provide education, protect the environment, and encourage healthy activities. Committee member Susan Dale said, “It is our desire to be a leader, setting a positive example by serving our community, in ways that help people and the environment thrive.”
A committee of five Cheney Financial Group associates is responsible for evaluating and making recommendations on charitable giving requests and volunteer opportunities and projects. The team currently consists of Debby Schling, of Newcastle Realty, and Holly Harris, Debbie Furman, Susan Dale, and Brittany Carter, from Cheney Insurance. On Mondays and Fridays, associates celebrate dress-down day by paying a dollar to wear jeans. Before Christmas, they choose an organization to donate the money to, such as Family Holiday Wishes, Healthy Kids, and the local animal shelter.
The Cheney Financial Group is a longtime supporter of the YMCA, making a multiyear commitment to support the Y in a number of ways. Another fun and worthwhile sponsorship was to Pope Memorial Humane Society, in memory of rescue dog Cookie. Cookie’s replacement is 4-year-old Digger, who wears a Cheney Financial Group vest and visits the elderly and people with disabilities. Two of his favorite spots to frequent are The Lincoln Home and Cove’s Edge skilled nursing home.
Cheney Financial Group President and owner Dennis Hilton shares his thoughts: “I was born in Damariscotta and I’ve lived here my whole life. Our dedicated associates and their families all live, work, and play in the heart of the communities we serve. We are your friends and neighbors and are especially proud of the support our Charitable Giving program provides to Lincoln County-based community organizations — over $200,000 to Lincoln County nonprofits over the past 20-plus years. We encourage and support a number of our associates who volunteer with civic organizations and nonprofit boards. I believe we make our communities stronger by choosing to do business with locally owned companies who are invested in giving back.”
To learn more about the Cheney Financial Group, visit cheneycompanies.com. Call Brittany Carter, at Cheney Insurance, 563-3435, to learn more about the Charitable Giving and Community Outreach Program guidelines.