Dover’s Housing Authority’s SOCC is latest recipient of unique “Quest to Reinvest” program

EXETER, N.H., July 23, 2012–Exeter Events and Tents, northern New England’s finest event equipment rental company, recently awarded a $300 Quest to Reinvest grant to the Dover Housing Authority’s Seymour Osman Community Center and Youth Safe Haven (SOCC).

The group held its second annual Hoopla Festival and Fashion Show Saturday, July 21, at the Woodman Park School grounds in Dover. The fundraising event raised money for affordable youth development programs at the SOCC. In operation for more than 15 years, the SOCC’s mission is to provide academic support, life skills training, and recreational opportunities to more than 120 local youth and family participants.

Exeter Events and Tents’ donation was through the family-owned company’s Quest to Reinvest grant program, which recently awarded more than $20,000 in goods and services to over a dozen charitable and non-profit organizations throughout New Hampshire, down east Maine and northern Massachusetts.

The SOCC’s second annual Hoopla event featured a 3-v-3 basketball tournament and promoted overall physical fitness and family fun. A back-to-school fashion show was sponsored by Macy’s and featured SOCC youth participants. Bounce house attractions, face painting and live music presented by TVP Records drew attendees throughout the day.

This year’s event drew more than 150 people from throughout the region. “In contributing to the cost of essential equipment and supplies, the Quest to Reinvest grant helped us cut event operating costs, which then allowed us to maximize our fundraising profits,” said Thad Mandsager, event co-coordinator and director of the SOCC. “The longer-term value of Exeter Events and Tents’ investment is a broader recognition of the important services SOCC provides to the Dover community.”

Michael Parkin, president of Exeter Events and Tents, said, “The opportunity to contribute to the demonstrated demand for the SOCC’s program could not be ignored. From its very important afterschool program to age-appropriate academic and life skills support program designed to lead kids to success, the SOCC provides a valuable service to parents, who thanks to the program are free to work longer hours and earn an income, as well as to the safety and future of our communities’ children.”

Parkin established the Quest to Invest grant program in 2011 to help organizations run community-based outreach events without the prohibitive costs of typical event rental goods and services. In 2012, Exeter Events and Tents expanded the program to include non-profits throughout Massachusetts and Maine, in addition to New Hampshire. Through Quest to Reinvest, Exeter Events and Tents has committed to donate or provide substantial discounts on tents, tables, chairs, dance floors, stages and other special event and party rental merchandise to help organizations run fundraising events for a wide variety of critical services and causes.

More than a dozen charitable and non-profit organizations throughout New Hampshire, down east Maine and northern Massachusetts were named grant recipients in 2012. For a complete listing, please visit www.exeterrent-all.com .

The SOCC is supported in part by the NH Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative, which awards competitive grants for expanded academic enrichment opportunities for children attending high-poverty schools. For more information about the Seymour Osman Community Center in Dover, visit www.dhasocc.org or call (603) 749-6692.

About Exeter Events and Tents

Exeter Events and Tents is Northern New England’s finest event rental company. Family owned and providing quality service for nearly 25 years, the company offers an expansive selection of wedding and event products and services including the region’s most comprehensive selection of tents, tables, chairs, china, and other accessories, providing a one-stop source for any occasion. Recognized as leaders in the industry, Exeter Events and Tents’ highly experienced and friendly staff and consultants welcome the opportunity to help individuals and organizations create memorable events. For more information, visit www.exeterrent-all.com or call (603) 778-9838.

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Contacts:
Michael Parkin (603) 778-9838
mparkin@exeterrent-all.com

Laurie Peyser (603) 396-5971
lauriepeyser@comcast.net