A NIGHT OF MUSIC, FRIENDSHIP AND COMMUNITY: WAY STATION’S 3RD ANNUAL FRIEND RAISER RAISES MORE THAN $32,000
- Way Station
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
NORTH CONWAY, NH — Sometimes a community gathering is about much more than the event itself.
On Saturday, August 22, the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center was filled with music, laughter, familiar faces, new friends, and an extraordinary sense of community as the Way Station hosted its 3rd Annual Friend Raiser.
Featuring a benefit concert with Jed Wilson and Heather Masse, joined by special guest Dave Kobrenski, the evening raised more than $32,000 to support the Way Station and its mission to provide services, connection, and support to people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity throughout Carroll County.
But perhaps the greatest success of the evening could not be measured in dollars.
The Way Station made a lot of new friends.
And that is exactly what a “Friend Raiser” is meant to do.
Where Music Meets Community
The free concert brought together residents of the Mt. Washington Valley, visitors, volunteers, donors, local businesses, and longtime Way Station supporters. Guests filled the performing arts center, tapping their toes, singing along, and enjoying an evening that was joyful, spontaneous, and deeply human.
At the heart of the evening were the exceptionally talented pianist and composer Jed Wilson and beloved local-talent-turned-international star, Heather Masse. Their more than 20-year musical collaboration was on full display.
Their performance was filled with the creative spark that comes from two people who not only know each other musically, but share a genuine friendship. Their love of jazz and folk music, their humor, and their years of making music together created an atmosphere that felt intimate and welcoming, even in a packed performing arts center.
Heather, a member of the Billboard-charting folk group The Wailin’ Jennys, and Jed shared stories from their earlier years together as well as a memorable collection of songs.
They performed “Bird Song,” a familiar tune and a special request. By the time the encore arrived, the audience had become part of the performance itself, joining together in song to Leonard Cohen’s “So Long, Marianne.”
“It was a fitting ending to an evening centered on connection.” Way Station Development Director Karen Albert said, “The experience was unforgettable. There were goosebumps from head to toe,” Albert said.
Generosity Was Everywhere
The generosity surrounding the Friend Raiser extended well beyond the concert.
During intermission, guests enjoyed mocktails available by donation, sponsored by Dave’s New England Food Company. Delicious baked goods and snacks were donated by Batter Up Bakery, Big Dave’s Bagels & Deli, Old Village Bakery, Peace of Mind Bakery, Sugarmaker Bakery, and Carroll County Altrusa.
Volunteers donated their time. Businesses opened their hearts and wallets. Musicians donated their talent. Community members showed up.
And together, those individual acts of generosity became something much larger.
“Without their generous support, we would not be bringing you this event,” Albert said. “We are so grateful to everyone who believes in the Way Station and the people we serve.”
A Community That Believes in Second Chances
The Friend Raiser also gave people an opportunity to learn more about what happens at the Way Station every day.
Located at 17 Grove Street in North Conway, the Way Station provides day services, support, resources, and connection to individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Carroll County.
Its work extends beyond the North Conway location. Through Rural Outreach Services with its new outreach van, the Way Station is bringing services directly into communities throughout the region.
The need is real. But so is the community’s response. The funds raised through this year’s Friend Raiser will help the Way Station continue providing practical assistance, compassionate support, and a welcoming place where people can find connection and begin taking their next steps toward stability.
With Gratitude
The Way Station extends its heartfelt thanks to every person, business, organization, volunteer, musician, donor, and supporter who helped make the 3rd Annual Friend Raiser possible.
Business supporters included: Eastern Slope Dental, Valley Originals, Varsity Beverage, Thrivent, Lighthouse Credit Union, Meredith Village Savings Bank, NHEC Foundation, Eversource, Chalmers Insurance Group, Badger Peabody & Smith Realty, 603 Unscripted by Abigail Allen Media, Lupine Pet, Tuckerman Brewing Company, Kate MacPhee, Settlers Green, Eastern Propane, Pinkham Real Estate, Bergeron Technical Services, Cooper Cargill Chant, Gamwell, Caputo, Kelsch & Co., PLLC, Infinger Insurance, Big Dave’s Bagels & Deli, Dave’s New England Food Company, NHCF Gray Gotjen Hopeful Fund, Conway Broadcasting (93.5 WMWV, Magic 104.5, Easy 95.3), Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, Valley Promotions, The Conway Daily Sun, Business Enhancements of Fryeburg, Spice & Grain, Minuteman Press, and Bill Lee.
Most of all, the Way Station thanks everyone who came. People didn't simply attend a concert.
They showed up for their neighbors.
They showed that homelessness is not someone else’s problem. They showed that compassion still has a place in our community. And they showed that when people come together, a little music, a lot of generosity, and a shared belief in the dignity of every person can create something truly powerful. That is what it means to be a friend of the Way Station.
About the Way Station
The Way Station is located at 17 Grove Street in North Conway, NH, and provides day services and support to people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Carroll County.
The Way Station is open Mondays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. by appointment; Thursdays from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. by appointment and 4–6 p.m. to the public. Rural Outreach Services are also available to the region, including Ossipee on Wednesdays.
For services, volunteer opportunities, or information about donating needed items, call 603-452-7113. To learn more or make a donation, visit waystationnh.org.
Way Station is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity incorporated in the State of New Hampshire.
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