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.

Logo with the word 'ABOVE' on the left, 'BOARD' on the right, linked by an anchor symbol, and the text 'ALL HANDS ON DECK' below.

Our Board of Directors

Cyndi Smith

President

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.

Vicki Benenti

Vicki has called the Kennebunks' home for 40 years, where she raised her family and built lasting friendships and connections within the community. As a Realtor, Vicki loves helping people feel at home and especially enjoys welcoming new families and neighbors. Vicki has volunteered her time on many local boards and committees and believes that everyone has something to contribute when their community needs them. She cares deeply about the area and the people who make it such a special place to live. In her free time, Vicki enjoys golfing, racket sports, boating, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends.

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.

Ronni Hass 

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.

Nicole Minzy

Nicole is a born-and-raised Mainer and a longtime Kennebunk resident. As Vice President of Finance at ReVision Energy, she brings a wealth of financial expertise to her role, providing financial oversight for Above Board and helping ensure the Board’s resources go as far as possible in meeting the needs of our community. “I am excited to join such a great team and to give back to the community I live in and love.”

Lori Nowak

Lori is a longtime resident of the Kennebunks and has had the privilege of raising her three children in this amazing community. Her commitment to charitable work began shortly after she founded The Spa at River’s Edge, where she found particular joy in providing complimentary spa days for cancer patients. Lori has been fortunate to work with several organizations dedicated to making a difference in the community, including the Gary Pike Foundation and CS3. Lori looks forward to contributing her time, experience, and passion to Above Board and looks forward to helping the organization continue to make a meaningful contribution to the Kennebunks and the surrounding community.

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. 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.