Our Mission Statement
For the community, by the community: creating charitable opportunities to address the emerging needs of the greater York County region.
About Us
Above Board–All Hands on Deck was established in 2018 by a group of community-minded individuals with the vision of hosting a charitable event that would benefit York County. In other words, we wanted to throw a PARTY with a PURPOSE.
The six members of the original board chose the issue of Substance Use Disorder (specifically as it relates to the Opioid Crisis) as the focus of their first charitable event.
Since that time, they have chosen a different venue, theme, and local beneficiary each year for their annual event.
As a 501(C)3 organization, Above Board is proud to have raised over $300,000 to benefit various local initiatives that directly affect the greater York County community including:
Recovery coach training for community members and first responders
Mental health services to assist local police departments
Funding the Kennebunk Skate Park
Funding for Special Surfers to buy new equipment
Funding for Believe in Kids Maine to provide necessities to foster children
Establishing a Food Pantry Fund to distribute funds to local pantries
The common thread for all of our fundraising initiatives is to help our community become more inclusive.
Our Board of Directors
Ronni Hass
President
Ronni, a passionate and dedicated volunteer, has channeled her marketing and entrepreneurial experience into numerous organizations. As one of the founders of Above Board and a founding member of Her Choice Collective, Ronni thrives on bringing people together and making a difference in her community. Rolling up her sleeves to be of service is where she finds joy, and nothing brings her more happiness than entertaining and cooking for family and friends—her true love language.
Terri Coakley
Terri has extensive experience from the hospitality sector, having managed hotels and restaurants in the Kennebunk and Kennebunkport areas for many years. After transitioning from the service industry, she opened two local gift stores. Having lived in the Kennebunks for many years, and as a small business owner and mother, she is deeply committed to this community. In her free time, she enjoys baking, cooking, hosting dinner parties, and going for power walks.
Cyndi Smith
Cyndi, who owns a local real estate agency and photography business, has been living in the Kennebunks for the last three decades. She loves the way the community rallies around each other when the need arises. Cyndi feels fortunate to be able to support the community she lives and plays in through serving on several committees including Above Board-All Hands on Deck. When not selling real estate or hanging out with her family, you will find Cyndi riding her bike, at the beach, playing tennis or on the water.
Rick Taranto
Rick has been a part of the Kennebunk community since 2010, and describes it as the home you never knew you needed until you were fortunate enough to find it. Starting as a weekender he’s now a full-time resident. With a background in events, he has previously been involved in the Kennebunkport Festival hosting dinners at his home. Staying involved in the community has been important to him, and he is grateful for the opportunity to continue improving the lives of our residents as one of the founding members of Above Board. In his spare time he enjoys golf, tennis and spending time with family and friends in this beautiful place we all get to share.
Kim Vieira
Kim is a longtime resident of the Kennebunks and serves as board Treasurer. Her experience as a Senior Vice President of a local community bank is valuable in the management of Above Board’s financial oversight. “I am passionate about helping my community; it is an amazing place to live and work. I feel grateful to be able to work with this talented group to make a difference addressing important needs in our community”.
Audrey Zaharas
Maine is the way Life Should be, and Kennebunk carries that dream forward. Audrey is a Mainer, born in this great state and lucky enough to have been raised and reside in Kennebunk. The opportunity to give back to this community as the Creative Director for Above Board lends meaning and pride to living in a small town. As owner of Azalea Events, she puts her passion for creating memories and experiences to work for the Board’s mission. Her favorite things are any Maine adventure, the ocean by boat, the ocean by land, exploring the lakes and the mountains, nice people, and wedding cake.