Over the years, we at Chastang Ford have clearly defined our core giving priorities n order to do the most good in our community. Education, health and human services, civic and community groups and animal causes have become the foundation of our value system.
One of the organizations that truly represents our beliefs is Bo’s Place. This incredible non-profit is a free-of-charge bereavement center, offering multiple grief support services for adults, children and families.
We connected with Bo’s Place Executive Director Mary Beth Staine, to discuss the relationship between the Chastang family, Bo’s Place and why it’s important to work with community organizations for the greater good.
How did the relationship between Bo’s Place and Chastang develop?
The relationship developed through our Board Member, Meredith Riddle Chastang. Meredith has been longtime friends with Charlie Neuhaus who is our namesakes’ younger brother. Prior to being on the Board, she along with Charlie and other young professionals grew our Bo’s Buddies friends’ group, and served on the council.
Bo’s Buddies was established in 2003 and many of those early members like Meredith have been invaluable to our growth. Meredith served as the Development Chair and Board Chair for our Board of Directors during her almost nine years of service.
How does working with Chastang help further the Bo’s Place mission?
Chastang has been a great partner in many ways. They have volunteered and provided a family meal during the holidays, which is always a welcome relief to our families. The holidays are stressful, especially so if you’re navigating a “new normal” after someone in your family has died.
Throughout most of the year, our pre-group meals are pot-luck style. During the holidays, we rely on caring partners like Chastang to help alleviate that stress by providing a meal, volunteering to serve it and show our families that the community cares and wants to support them during a difficult moment in their life.
Chastang has also helped create new memories and moments of joy for our families through the donation of tickets to University of Houston sporting events. When our families are able to get out together, have fun and experience joy despite a great sadness, that is a true gift.
On top of the tangible things our families can feel, Chastang has also been a wonderful supporter of our fundraising events, which helps raise money that enables Bo’s Place to offer our support groups at no cost to bereaved children, families and adults.
It is because of community partners like Chastang that we are able to grow our programs and reach more families each year.
This holiday season, we are especially grateful for the work of non-profits such as Bo’s Place.
To learn more about Bo’s Place visit: www.bosplace.org
